Karate Competitions Youth Championships 2009

37th European Wado-Kai Championships 2009Following on from her gold medal success at the Ken Yu Kai Open karate Championships in Manchester, Jessica Newton was hoping to win big again.

On Sunday 22nd November, Joe Munro and Harry Oetegenn competed in the first Karate Competitions Youth Championships in Oldham. The pair along with Allison Munro and Tony Dent got up early to travel the relatively short distance to the Oldham Leisure Centre for the event. On this occasion, Allison was not only traveling as a parent spectator, but to coach the two boys also. The competition itself was fairly quiet by normal standards, but was well organised and also well attended by experienced officials.

Few of the categories were really busy, but for those who were competing the day still provided opportunity. The boys were in the same categories for Kata and Kumite, but managed to avoid each other for the Kata events at least. This would have meant that the boys had the chance to meet in the final if they had continued to progress, unfortunately they both succumbed to stronger opposition leaving them in joint 3rd position. This was also to be their fate in the pairs Kata event, meaning they had their second bronze medal of the day.

In the Kumite event they were to face each other in what was a straight final. The boys have fought each other many times and it is always a cagey affair when this is the case. On this occasion Joe was to reign victorious as he took the gold medal, leaving Harry with a creditable silver.

Thanks to both boys for representing Wado UK and to Allison for coaching duties on the day.

• Back to Results Master Page