English Karate Federation National's 2014

7 members of WADO UK attended the National Championships this year. Ellie Hayes, Amy Newton, Jordan Taylor, Ben Harrison, Thomas Balaam-Reed, Lauren Horner and Briane Goff. With coaches Paul Braid, Steve Balaam-Reed and Tracy Balaam-Reed.
It was to prove one of our more successful years with a total of 3 Bronze and 1Silver medals.

Our Medalists displaying their rewards - Left -Thomas Balaam-Reed and Ben Harrison
Right - Ben Harrison, Jordan Taylor and Thomas Balaam-Reed


Day one saw the Kata events with Amy and Lauren unfortunately going out to very good opposition outside of the medal bouts. Briane was also to miss out on a medal in the repechage bout for Bronze.
Success was to come later in the day however with Bronze medals for Thomas and Ben in the 14-15 years individual kata. Although there was to be no Medal for Jordan in the senior male category he went on to achieve Silver in the 16-17 years male.

Also on day one was Lauren’s kumite section, unfortunately despite a valiant effort there was to be no medals this time around. Ellie Hayes was unfortunately not able to compete but still came along to support her team mates despite being on crutches with a knee injury.


Day Two was the WKF kumite events. With Ben, Thomas, Briane and Jordan all in action.
Briane took part in both the over 65k and the open sections but on this occasion her opposition was a little too experienced for her.

Thomas and Ben found themselves together in the same -52 kilos male and it was to prove to be a tough one. Ben fought with skill going out in the second round after comfortably winning his first fight. Thomas was to have more success eventually losing to a member of the EKF squad 4-5, he went on to beat the current WIKF European champion to gain his second Bronze.

Last up was Jordan who after some tough opposition found himself in the fight off for Bronze only narrowly losing out.

It was a fantastic 2 days the support from parents and fellow competitors was brilliant. Everyone did WADO UK proud.



Proud dad and coach Steve Balaam-Reed with a weary looking Thomas Balaam-Reed

 

• Back to Results Master Page