Central England Karate Championships, Walsall 2009

Seven members of Wado UK attended the Central England Karate Championships in Walsall on the 12th July.

Matthew March was the first of our group to compete in the Junior Kata section. Matthew is becoming a much stronger Kata competitor as he matures and is getting into the medal positions more often. Unfortunately on this occasion the opposition had more experience and managed to prevent Matthew gaining a podium position this time around.

A similar fate was awaiting Harry Oetegenn and Joe Munro. Both boys are regular medallists but as with Matthew previously, they had to settle for experience gained.

Next to fight were Emily Rimchuk, of the Cottingham Parks Dojo, and Ashleigh Clarkson, of the Chikara Dojo. The girls both gave a good account of themselves in the Individual Kumite sections, with Ashleigh just nudging her way ahead taking a very creditable silver medal for her efforts.

Both girls then entered the girl’s team event, where once again solid performances took them to a well earned bronze medal position.

Emily Pierce, of the Cottingham Parks Dojo, was the next to fight, returning for her first tournament after a knee injury. Showing great determination she managed to move into the second round but was knocked out at this point.

Finally, Coach Paul Braid was to get his moment of glory as he took to the mats himself. Paul had earlier in the day managed to win a very pleasing bronze medal in the senior men’s Kata event, but was keen to add Kumite success to the day’s proceedings. This he did in convincing style as he went one better, winning the silver medal in the senior men’s Kumite section.

Well done to all our competitors for their efforts and thanks to Paul Braid for organising our attendance!

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