5th KWU World Youth tournament 2016, Bulgaria - round up and report
The KWU held its 5th World Youth Tournament in Varna, Bulgaria from 3-4th December, and was hosted by the Bulgarian Kyokushin-kan Federation on behalf of the KWU.
The BKK, as an IFK federated member of the KWU, selected 5 fighters, three from Wales (Dylan Baldwin, Luke Jones, Jaime-May Rowlands), and two from England (Callum Pearce, Olivia Pickthall) to represent Team GB.
The under-18 event, with competitors from 12 years upwards, was perhaps the largest and strongest tournament for Kyokushin rules with over 650 competitors from 33 countries, across 32 categories.
The logistics of transporting all the competitors to Varna plus registrations was quite a challenge. Some country teams were united (under a single team of multiple organisations) and others had separate teams primarily from member countries IFK, Kyokushin-kan, KWF and Shinkyokushin but there were also representatives from Rengokai, WKB and other independents from Japan.
The team left the UK in the early hours of Thurs 1st Dec arriving in Sofia with a long stop-over, finally arriving at the team hotel in Varna closer to midnight; some of the team had been on the move for close to 24hrs and departing Sofia for Varna gave them their first contact with other countries also on the same flight. Speaking with other country coaches and teams, their travels into Varna were even longer.
The following was long and arduous day which saw the GB team safely weighed at 3.00pm and teams still arriving at the hotel late into the evening everyone was told to be ready to transfer to the venue at 8am the following morning for a 10am start; the last fighter completed weigh-in and medical at 1.30am.
The event started as scheduled but with the sheer volume of fighters participating it meant the anticipated first day over ran as fights only reached the start of the quarter finals as opposed to the anticipated completion of semi-finals.
Luke Jones was first for the team as he stepped up against a Russian opponent. As expected, the Russian came out strong unsettling Luke's aggressive style and rhythm early on. Luke took a number of strong body shots eventually giving away two waza-ari inside two minutes.
Dylan Baldwin had drawn the 2016 Russian Champion. From the outset his opponent came out with strong combinations, putting Dylan on the back foot where he attempted to block and counter. Although the Russian began to tire towards the end of the round, and Dylan was able to get off some of his own combinations, the power differential between the two was clear; 5-0 decision after 2 minutes.
Jaime-May Rowlands drew the 2016 Russian Champion runner-up, with a considerable height difference. The unusual and spoiling kicking style of the Russian immediately unsettled Jaime, as she struggled to find a way through the long range techniques and constant barrage of head kicks. Having lost one waza-ari, Jaime went for broke and ended dropping a second score to another head kick. She stayed on her feet fighting throughout the bout but it was clear the rapid kicking style of her Russian opponent was not something ever encountered.
Having received a bye in the first round, Callum Pearce was up against a strong Bulgarian opponent and partisan crowd. He took this in his stride and fought his way to victory over three hard rounds making good use of his low kicks, driving his opponent around the mat towards the end of the fight and even seemed to be enjoying the whole experience as the bout continued; 5-0 decision to Callum.
Olivia Pickthall received a bye into the next round, which meant both her and Callum were subject to long waits prior to their next fights. At 7.30pm having started at 8am, it was clear neither were going to fight again that day, as the organisers decided to finish at 8pm and push the quarter-finals into Day Two.
Day Two saw the event run all the way through but due to the extra 60 bouts on each of the three tatami before the finals could take place, the tournament finished at 10.30pm.
Callum was the next to draw a Russian opponent, and focused from the outset. Long to medium range fast combinations were being deployed in an effort to unbalance his opponent early, whilst the Russian picked power shots in retaliation. Halfway through an even round Callum received a spinning back kick to the body which visibly affected him. From this point in, Callum closed his defence tight and the Russian sensed a chink in his armour as he continued to land power body shots in an effort to get the stoppage. The remainder of the fight was dominated by the Russian as Callum worked hard to stay on his feet and move around the mat with his focus fixed on staying in a tight defence. 5-0 decision at the end of two minutes.
Olivia Pickthall received a second bye into the quarter finals making for a long wait halfway into Day Two before she made it on the tatami against another GB vs Russia draw. Her much shorter opponent took a face punch at the start and Olivia was immediately given a genten-ichi, meaning if it stayed that way at the end of the round the decision would be against her. From the restart the two engaged in the centre of the mat, Olivia throwing shita-tsukis against a bullish opponent throwing fast and heavy chest and body shots intent on getting the fight over with quickly. The Russian continued to press hard, Olivia attempting to gain space with reverse and circular movements which her opponent closed down quickly by maintaining a ferocious pace even jumping with punches at the close of the round to gain further leverage and steal more ground. 5-0 decision against Olivia.
Overall the standard of fighting was extremely high. The Japanese team were incredible at the 12-13 age groups with not only amazing fighting spirit but real ability to fight with style and good positioning. As the age groups advanced the Russian, Bulgarian and Kazakhstan teams proved to be worthy winners but it was good to see IFK countries other than Russia pick up trophies.
As for the British team once again it was a huge learning curve not only competing in such a high level event but also trying to manage the long wait before competing. This was probably the toughest test for them.
Reflecting on where we are as a national organisation/ federation is also part of the learning process if we are to improve both the condition and technical ability of our fighters. The importance of exposure and training time is key in order for us to give our fighters the best opportunities to compete at such a high level.
Thank you to Kyokushin-Kan Bulgaria for the tournament, and KWU in totality in its mission to bring Kyokushin under a united banner at least from a Tournament perspective. For the youths in attendance it helped to forge some lifelong friendships and draw the strength from which Kyokushin can be built and united.
report by Sensei Wai Cheung
Hayley Beth-Rowlands at the Copa Oyama Fujimae in Barcelona
In another busy weekend for BKK fighters, Hayley-Beth Rowlands from BKK Wales, currently studying and living in Spain, competed in the 2016 Copa Oyama Fujimae and gained a well earned 2nd place.
Our congratulations to Hayley.
Osu!
Emma Markwell gains second place at the KWF European Championships 2016
The BKK was represented by Emma Markwell, Dawid Ozga and Gabriel Barbu at the KWF's 30th European Championships held in Arnhem, Holland and hosted by the NKKO (Nederlands Kyokushinkai Karate Organisation) with fighters from across Europe and a team from KWF Japan.
Dawid lost on a 'genten' decision in his first fight, whilst Gabriel lost by ippon to hi Japanese opponent in the second round. Emma gained second place, losing on a decision to KWU World Tournament final opponent, Fatakhova (KWF Russia).
The team was coached by Sensei Steve Worrell.
We thank them for all their hard work, and for proudly representing the BKK.
Osu!
Best of luck to BKK fighters at the 30th KWF European tournament, Holland
The BKK wishes our representative fighters the very best of luck this weekend at the KWF European tournament in Holland.
Sensei Emma Markwell, Senpai Dawid Ozga and Gabriel Barbu will compete in the women's lightweight, men's middleweight and heavyweight categories respectively.
British National Clicker Championship 2016 results
The National Clicker tournament was held on the 19th November in Slough. All fighters fought with great spirit, respect and control throughout the day.
On behalf of the BKK, Shihan Nick da Costa (Chief Clicker Referee) thanks all officials, volunteers, competitors and spectators for supporting our last tournament of the year. It was a long day with well over 200 competitors.
An extra special thanks to Gareth Jones, Lee Swiggelaar, Helen Rowlands & Gary Frost for ensuring that all went well on the day.
Results are listed below.
In addition to the individual categories, the annual England vs. Wales events was held:
Mens Team: 1st England, 2nd Wales
Womens Team: 1st Wales, 2nd England
See more photos here
Landmark event for the BKK at the Belgian Youth Championships 2016
Over the weekend of the 12th November '16, the BKK passed a huge landmark in its history; Sensei Tony White and Chris Davies lead a team of cadets and juniors to an open Kyokushin Rules knockdown tournament in Belgium. This is first time the BKK has allowed its junior students to compete in a contact event abroad.
Each of the juniors who competed gained a well deserved podium position. Callum Breward, Kobe Spinney and Luke Davies in particular completely dominated their categories.
Beth Salvi, fresh from winning her first cadet tournament at the British Open 2016, followed by 1st place at the Severn Challenge some 4 weeks later, competed here and gain podium in her first international abroad.
Luke Jones, off the back of a runner-up position at the Severn Challenge, claimed a good podium finish also.
The whole squad fought with spirit and determination which was reflected in the results below. For most fighters, this was their first international Kyokushin Rules tournament, and had at least 4 fights to get to their podium positions. A proud day for the BKK.
Junior Boys -42kg
Callum Breward (ENGLAND) 1st Place
Kobe Spinney Dibble (ENGLAND) 2nd Place
Junior Boys -48kg
Luke Davies (WALES) 1st Place
Junior Boys -65kg
Bart Chaisrisud (ENGLAND) 2nd Place
Junior Girls
Mia Morgan (WALES) 3rd Place
Cadet Boys (1)
Luke Jones (WALES) 3rd Place
Cadet Boys -65kg (higher grade)
Ame Sorge (ENGLAND) 2nd Place
Cadet Girls
Beth Salvi (ENGLAND) 3rd Place
Severn Challenge 2016 - results
This year's Severn Challenge was held in Cardiff, Wales and hosted by BKK Wales. Thanks to all those that attended, including teams from Belgium, England, Switzerland, Turkey, and the host country, Wales.
And special thanks to those behind the scenes that allowed the event to run so smoothly.
Congratulations to all winners. Results are as follows:
Severn Challenge 2016 - fighters draw
The fighter draw sheets for the Severn Challenge can be found below:
Cadet Boys Lightweight Group 1
Cadet Boys Lightweight Group 2
Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan) retires as BKK Chief Knockdown Referee
Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan) announced his retirementas BKK Chief Knockdown Referee at the BKK 40thNational Knockdown Tournament.
Shihan Alex has beenat the forefront of the BKK and IFK Knockdown referringscene for decades but now feels it is time to givesomeone else the opportunity to be the BKK Chief Referee. He will still continue his role within the IFK.
The BKK asks if you would like to applyfor the role of Chief Referee in the firstinstance register your intent byemail along witha brief resume and send toLiam Keaveney: liam.keaveney@btinternet.com
40th British Open (8th Cup of Europe) official results
A tough days fighting across all categories with worthy champions from a strong WKO contingent, and Great Britain's very own Emma Markwell, who makes it 5 British Open titles in the bag. Congratulations to all!
click on photos to see tournament picture gallery
BRITISH OPEN 2016 FIGHTERS DRAWS
CLICK ON DRAWS TO DOWNLOAD THE FILES
40th BRITISH OPEN - LIVE STREAMING
We will be going ONLINE courtesy of MAaction.com
Here are some of fighters to watch including an elite World and European line-up.
1 day to go - 40 years and going strong!
The BKK is set and ready to host the 40th British Open on Saturday 1st October
This year's tournament see one of the largest pool of fighters since the 90s, with multiple World Champions, European Champions, over 20 countries and 7 world organisations; it truly is #timetobeunited
POST YOUR PICS USING
#BKKOpen2016
PLANNING YOUR DAY
FIGHTER LINE UP
We've got one of the most exciting line-ups for many years, with World and European Champions from Russia, Spain, HUngary, Kazakhstan and Great Britain, a huge contingent of Open tournament champions across East and West Europe, North America, South America
VIDEO, MEDIA & LIVE STREAMING
Check out the British Open trailers and prepare yourselves for a tournament to remember
We will be ONLINE too...
Unprecedented number of World Champions enter the 40th British Open (8th Cup of Europe)
The 40th British Open (8th Cup of Europe) sees a large pool of fighters in which there are multiple World Tournament and World Cup winners amongst the entrants, in what will truly be one of the largest tournaments to be held in Europe this year.
Below are some of fighters to watch including an elite World and European line-up:
We welcome the team of Bulgaria Kyokushinkan
Iya Kostova Women's Lightweight
2nd KWU European Championship 2016
2nd KWF European Championship 2016
Cup of Hanshi 2015 - 3rd Place
Krasimira Mireva Women's Lightweight
Romanian Open Champion
European Championship Poland - 3rd Place
Mihaela Ivanova Women's Heavyweight
KWU European Championship 2016 - 2nd
European Champion 2015
World Championships Bulgaria 2015 - Champion
Andrey Andreev Men's Lightweight
Shen Berkdzhan Men's Lightweight
KWU European 2016 - 3rd Place
Dimitar Dmitrov Men's Middleweight
Georgi Doychev Men's Middleweight
Kyokushinkan European 2015 - 3rd Place
Yordan Yordanov Men's Heavyweight
Hristo Georgiev Men's Heavyweight
40th British Open (8th Cup of Europe) - Running Order and Fighter Numbers
This will be our 40th British Open (8th Cup of Europe), in what sees an impressive lineup of world-class fighters from across the globe.
Due to the large number of fighters, times shown below are estimates and subject to change:
09.00hrs: Doors Open
10.00hrs: Cadets and novice preliminaries
11.35hrs: Novice and Cadet Finals
12.00hrs: Fighters March On and Opening Ceremony
A FULL LIST OF FIGHTER ENTRIES IS LISTED BELOW
COMPETITORS ON THE DAY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON ATTENDANCE/ SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
REGISTERED FIGHTERS
Sensei Alun Jones - RIP
The BKK is sad to hear that Sensei Alun Jones passed away on 31st August 2016 following a lengthy illness. Sensei Alun was chief instructor of Abercynon School of Kyokushin Karate and Nelson Karate Club in the 1970s before opening Cynon Valley School of Karate in the early 1980s.
He was a passionate karateka and exceptional technician. Those who had the honour of training under him will remember him for his attention to detail , dedication and strive for excellence, qualities which were then reflected in his students.
Despite leaving the BKK in the early 1990s, he is still remembered and respected as a fine karateka and exceptional instructor
An informative Black Belt course held with Shihan Liam
The 3rd of July saw black belts from across the BKK visit Kokoro Dojo to attend a Black Belt course with Shihan Liam Keaveney.
Some participants used the course as a pre-cursor to the National Grading to be held at this year's British Summer Camp. Areas covered on the course included finer points of kihon and kata, and focus on bunkai.
Many thanks to those that attended. Good luck to those looking to take their gradings later this year.
A successful Crawley Interclub 2016
BKK Crawley held the annual Interclub tournament on the 3rd July, featuring teams from BKK dojo's Crawley, Westhill, Verwood, Dunmow, Loughborough, Saffron Walden and Crystal Palace.
Thank you to all participants, officlals and helpers at the 2016 Interclub.
Results below:
Under 9 years
1 Reece Reeve Crawley
2 Samuel Kelly Crystal Palace
3 isobel Mcgregor Crawley
3 Lexi Langrish Saffron Walden
Under 11 years
1 Ashley Black Crawley
2 James Baker Saffron Walden
3 Riley Sweet Dunmow
3 Stephen Greenhough Saffron Walden
Under 155cm
1 Charlie Denton Crawley
2 Kobe Spinney Crawley
3 Mikolaj Zabawa Crawley
3 Nikhil Patel Loughborough
Over 155cm
1 Ame Sorge Crawley
2 Bethany Salvi Crawley
3 Robert Salvi Crawley
3 Noah Gajraj Crystal Palace
Cadets
1 Tom Bradley Crawley
2 Ollie Barker West Hill
3 Josh Grant Loughborough
Team Pee Wee Cat 1
1 Crawley
2 Loughborough
3 Crystal Palace
3 West Hill
Team Pee Wee Cat 2
1 Loughborough
2 Saffron Walden
3 Verwood
Pee Wee Cat 3
1 Loughborough B
2 Loughborough A
3 West Hill
Team Under 155cm
1 Crawley
2 Loughborough
3 Dunmow
3 Saffron Walden
Team Over 155cm and Cadet
1 Crawley A
2 Crawley B
3 West Hll
Best Fighter went to Jake Patterson Loughborough - Jake Patterson Age 7, 114cm Beginner
Won all his team fights and lost in the quarter final in the individuals to a much taller opponent
Referee and judges course held with Shihan Alex Kerrigan
BKK Referee & Judges Course was held on 25th June with Shihan Alex Kerrigan for those looking to learn or to refresh their knowledgefor Knockdown.
Courses held each within the BKK to allow current referees to refresh themselves prior to our major tournaments in the second half of the year, and for new hopefuls looking to gain qualifications as they look to attempt high-grade gradings, or simply more experience as tehy begin their judging and refereeing careers.