English Karate Federation National's 2012

Over the weekend of the 21st & 22nd April, the English Karate Federation held their National Championships for 2012. The competition was once again at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield and Wado UK clubs had 10 competitors between them.

By the end of the Championships, the results read as follows;

Jessica Newton - Shinken Dojo Double Gold Medallist and EKF National Champion 2012
Barry Meanwell - Woodford Dojo EKF Bronze Medallist
Joe Munro - Woodford Dojo EKF Bronze Medallist
Thomas Balaam-Reed - Chikara Dojo EKF Bronze Medallist

Jessica Newton of the Shinken Dojo had one of the finest competitions of her career so far. Entering both her own +54kg Female Cadet category and the Female Cadet Open, Jess setting her sights high. She rose to the occasion admirably however, casting all before her aside. Match after match she defeated her opponents, firstly in her own +54kg category and subsequently in her Open Weight.
By the end of the day Jess had secured a double gold medal result, meaning she is now the EKF National Champion at both the +54kg and Open weight divisions.

Jess is seen above receiving her medal from former world champion, Rory Daniels

Barry Meanwell of the Woodford Dojo also entered two events, however following an injury to his hand in his weight category, he decided to pull out of the Open Weight division. In his Senior Male -84kg section, Barry was matched up against some of his team-mates for the upcoming European Championships in Tenerife. This meant it was to be a stiff test ahead of the Tenerife trip, but as usual he was to fight hard and reap the rewards of his determination. He took England team member Daniel Hollister all the way in his final fight, but unfortunately lost his lead at the death. This meant he would have to settle for the Bronze Medal this time around.


Barry is seen receiving his medal from EKF National Coach and 2 X World Champion
Willie Thomas and World Junior Champion Charlotte Westell

Joe Munro also of the Woodford Dojo was to secure a Bronze medal too. It would be in the Male Cadet Open Weight section. This was a large group containing some very good competitors. Joe is never short of confidence and got down to the job in hand, removing his early opponents. He was to slip up however when he was matched against England Squad member Mitchell Priestley. Joe slipping behind on points as the time up buzzer sounded. He deserved his place on the podium however and will hopefully build on the success inn the future. Joe did contest his own -63kg section and was doing well during the early rounds. in his quarter final he became complacent and took one penalty too many and was disqualified. A very frustrating outcome, especially when he was 7-0 up needing just one more point to go through.


Joe is seen receiving his medal from Former World Champion and Assistant EKF National Coach Paul Newby and present Junior World Champions
Charlotte Westell and Tom Hickman

Thomas Balaam-Reed of the Chikara Dojo would complete the set of medals for the weekend. Thomas also managed to join the bronze medal club, as he contested the boys 12-13 years +45kg section. Thomas is a strong boy for his age and will almost certainly win further medals as he continues his competition career.

Congratulations to all our medallists, especially to Jess Newton, double gold medallist and National Champion 2012!!

We would also like to mention our other competitors who represented their clubs and Wado UK admirably - Dean & Chris Fenton, Harry Oetegenn - Woodford Dojo. Joe Rose - Hull Zanshin Dojo. Brandon Greenwood - Shinken Dojo. and John Chia - Chikara Dojo.

Thanks also to Paul Braid, Steve Balaam-Reed and Andy Barratt for their coaching duties on the day.

 

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