3rd Chojinkai Junior Karate Championships

On Sunday 8th March, a small squad of Wado UK competitors travelled to the 3rd Chojinkai Junior Championships. Once again the Championships were held in the Penrith Leisure Centre and it proved to be a very fruitful day for the group. Joe Munro, Thomas Balaam-Reed and Matthew March were first to compete in the Kata divisions. Unfortunately there was to be no medal success for the trio in the Kata, but that would change as the Kumite got underway.

The Kumite saw both Joe and Thomas back in action, along with Harry Oetegenn and Danny Stannard. Joe picking up an individual Bronze in his category, with Thomas going one better, winning silver in his. The icing on the cake however was to come when Joe, Harry and Danny joined forces to enter the boy’s team event. In the first round Joe and Harry appeared to make light work of their opponents, as they both won with ease, this put them through to the next round without Danny even needing to compete, but it was to be much tougher opposition next time.

Facing them in the next round was a Scottish trio, who proved very worthy opponents. At the end of the battle it was one win each with a draw evening things up. On the points tally it was decided it was all square there too, meaning a deciding Sai-Shiai contest had to be fought. Joe was elected to settle the matter for the Wado UK group and in impressive style that's exactly what he did, winning inside the allocated time 6-0. This put the boys into the final where the confidence they had gained earlier saw them come out on top, comfortable victors. Team Gold, a great way to finish the day!

Thanks to Paul Braid and Steve Balaam-Reed for coaching and parents for supporting.
Medal tally for the day then was 1 Bronze, 1 Silver and a fantastic Team Gold

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