British Karate Federation International Open 2011

Over the weekend of 1st & 2nd October 2011, six Wado UK competitors entered the British International Open Karate Championships in Glasgow. Barry Meanwell from the Woodford Dojo, along with Tom McAlindon, Matthew March, Jessica Newton, Amie Newton and Brandon Greenwood from the ShinKen Dojo were looking for international honours. By the end of the weekend the group had managed to win five medals, which included 1 gold 3 silver and 1 bronze.

The first of the medals was unsurprisingly in the Kata categories on the first day of the competition. Matthew March was on form in his event, winning his way through to the final in fine style. His opponent in the final however was adjudged to have had the edge and managed to nudge Matthew into a very creditable silver medal position.

Following on from Matthews success, club-mate Jessica Newton stamped her authority on the Kumite categories she had entered. Her own weight category and the open weight group for her age. Again Jessica would add to the medal tally, but this time adding a further two medals to the total. Jessica made light work of her early opponents and in both categories managed to line herself up for medals. In her own weight category she managed a silver and consolidated this with a bronze in the open weight.

Finishing the first day off would be Barry Meanwell. Barry entered the senior male open weight category, as well as his own weight group. Fairing better within his own weight, Barry did as Jess had done earlier and lined himself up into the medal positions by beating his quarter-final opponent. Determined to secure something better than a bronze medal, Barry set to on his semi-final opponent in much the same way as his previous match. Winning this round also meant Barry was now in line for either the silver or the gold. HIs opponent in the final was fellow England International Aaron Swales. Unfortunately for Barry Aaron was to pip him to the post on this occasion, leaving Barry to join Jess as a silver medal winner. In his open weight division Barry suffered at the hands of Lady Luck from the outset, as he was drawn against Callum Robb from Scotland. Callum is an exceptional competitor winning many medals in the World Universities events and indeed a bronze medal in the World Championships. Callum proved an obstacle too difficult for Barry to overcome and left the open weight division at this point.

Sunday was the final day of competition and was set aside for those competitors aged 13 or under. Brandon Greenwood was to shine in his Kata categories by beating all before him. He is a very small competitor but it is easy to see the power he generates and this accompanied by very good technique is what impresses the judges. Brandon has had much success recently and following this event he had managed to add a gold medal to his personal, club and association tallies.

It is worth mentioning also that Tom McAlindon and Amie Newton were also competing. Tom has improved greatly over the past few months and is now looking more competitive. With future competition he will soon be winning medals also.
Amie was seen performing a very good Pinan Nidan, but surprisingly went out to a 1-2 decision by the panel. Visibly upset by the decision she was encouraged by all around her and she is sure to be back next time.

Well done everyone!!

 

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