This iconic event is one of the most long standing knockdown tournaments in the world.
In 2016 we had over 160 participating fighters from 23 countries.
The British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK) invite you, and fighters from across the world to enter our tournament.
More details can be found on our tournament website
Spectator tickets can be purchased in our ticket shop
Emma Markwell and Hayley-Beth Rowlands, and Aneta Meskauskiene from Ireland Karate Kyokushinkai will be competing and representing the IFK/ KWU at this weekend's World Weight Tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan (1st-2nd July).
Steve with Hanshi Arneil on passing his Sandan 14/08/2005
It is with great regret the BKK has to announce Sensei Steve Worrell of BKK Westcroft dojo passed away on Sunday 14th May 2017.
Assistant Great Britain Knockdown coach Sensei Steve had been battling a long illness that rapidly escalated within the last few months.
Sensei Steve started his journey with the BKK in 1976 and first fought for England in 1979. He ran the Westcroft dojo alongside Shihan Paul Baker for many years and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
The BKK offer their condolences to his family at this time
OSU
The BKK, lead by coaches Sensei Tony White, Chris Davies and Wai Cheung, took teams from England and Wales to compete at the 2017 Pilatus Cup held in Lucerne, Switzerland on the weekend of 18th March.
Both teams conducted themselves professionally, and came away with a number of podium positions, in addition to making good friends along the way.
Team results are below, and full list of results can be found on the IFK Switzerland site
Clicker Boys 150cm+: 3rd Luke Davies (Wales) and Luke Sabey (England)
Clicker Boys -150cm: 2nd Charlie Denton (England), 3rd Ashley Black (England) and Fynn Clements (England)
Clicker Girls 150cm+: 1st Mia Morgan (Wales), 2nd Holly Harvey (Wales), 3rd Lili Bryan (Wales)
Clicker Girls -150cm: 1st Seren Harries (Wales), 3rd Libby Morse (Wales)
Kata Boys 4.Kyu+: 2nd Luke Davies (Wales)
Kata Boys 6.-5.Kyu: 2nd Daniel Parsons (Wales)
Kata Girls 4.Kyu+: 1st Seren Harries (Wales), 2nd Mia Morgan (Wales), 3rd Georgia Slocombe (England)
Kata Girls 6.-5.Kyu: 1st Libby Morse (Wales)
+68kg Cadet Knockdown: 1st Dylan Baldwin (Wales), 2nd George Deane (Wales), 3rd Henry Deane (Wales)
-68kg Cadet Boys knockdown: 1st Luke Jones (Wales), 3rd Max Williams (Wales)
+58kg Girls Cadet Knockdown: 1st Alicia Bennett (Wales)
-58kg Girls Cadet Knockdown: 1st Jessica Charsley (England), 2nd Holly Davies (England), 3rd Jaime May Rowlands (Wales)
More photos of the day from IFK Switzerland here
An excellent turnout for the National Training Session held on Sunday 12th March at Westminster Lodge Sports Centre, St. Albans. Almost 50 students attended this monthly event run by GB Junior Coach Sensei Tony White. Guest instructor this month was Shihan Liam Keaveney 7th Dan and assistant junior instructors were Sensei Sunil Tailor and Sensei Mike Charsley.
For the first time, seniors were invited to train with the under 18’s, and the atmosphere and teamwork in the dojo was amazing. The juniors were inspired by the focus and power of the seniors, and the seniors were pushed to work even harder by the fitness and determination of the juniors.
Students had travelled many miles from dojos all over England, including Oldham, Loughborough, Verwood, Crawley, Dunmow, Crystal Palace, Docklands, Folkestone, Gravesend, Saffron Walden, Melton Mowbray, Kokoro and Eastbourne.
Shihan Keaveney put everyone though their paces with a challenging Kihon and traditional Kyokushin karate session, which was followed by some excellent clicker coaching with Sensei Tailor. Sensei Tony worked with the cadets and seniors on knockdown combinations and a tough pad workout.
The BKK National Training Sessions take place every month and all are welcome to attend. No need to pre-register - just turn up to train.
For more information about the National Training Sessions, contact Sensei Tony White tony.white@bonners.co.uk
Congratulations to Shihan Andrew Turner (6th Dan) for being appointed as the BKK Knockdown Chief Referee; we wish him well in his new position.
Thanks to Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan) for all his support and hard work in this post for many decades.
The BKK's 2017 National Kata Tournament was held on 4th March. Results below.
More photos can be found here
Blake Collins - 2017 Senior National Kata Champion
BKK England and Wales, and IFK Ireland fighters attended this year's IKKU Scottish Open in Glasgow, gaining honours in a number of the categories.
BKK Crawley fighters Malcolm Scott, 1st (Over 40s HW) and Kirsten Galatius-Smith, 3rd (Open HW)
Scottish Open full results:
Cadet LW
1st Conor Fitzpatrick IFK Ireland
2nd Alex Day IKKU England
3rd Elis Room BKK Wales
Cadet HW
1st Dylan Baldwin BKK Wales
2nd Shane McLoughlin IFK Ireland
Over 40 LW
1st Owen Bently MOKKO England
2nd Jason Roome BKK Wales
3rd Shane Mulhall IFK Ireland
Over 40 HW
1st Malcolm Scott BKK England
2nd Phil Jones IKKU England
3rd Amir Arfaoui IKKU England
Ladies Novice LW
1st Shevin Urgun Kyokushinkan Sweden
2nd Martha Albretsen IFK Norway
3rd Stacey Dunne IFK Ireland
Ladies Novice HW
1st Allannah Arthur IFK Ireland
2nd Tracey Armstrong IKKU England
3rd Natalie Horton BKK England
Mens Novice LW
1st Andy Raisen BKK England
2nd Ian Liddle GoJuRyu Scotland
3rd Zheng Lin BKK England
Mens Novice MW
1st Mateusz szablan Kyokushinkan Scotland
2nd Rhys Petrie IKO Wales
3rd Pawel Skowron Depczynski IKKU England
Mens Novice HW
1st Jaroslaw Goralczyk IFK Ireland
2nd Jordan McMahon GoJuRyu Scotland
3rd Aaron Carroll BKK England
Ladies Open LW
1st Aneta Meskauskiene IFK Ireland
2nd Sanne Larsson Shin Kyokushin Sweden
3rd Irene Jensen Skjelfjord NKKO Norway
Ladies Open HW
1st Zita Zatyko Kyokushinkan Scotland
2nd Samantha Williams BKK Wales
3rd Kirsten Smith BKK England
Mens Open LW
1st Hans Kristian Havreberg NKKO Norway
2nd Daniel Fryer BKK England
3rd Lewis Kalicinski IKO Wales
Mens Open MW
1st Rasmus Orstad NKKO Norway
2nd Kelvin Tienstra IFK Netherlands
3rd Bjorn Erik Orstad NKKO Norway
Mens Open HW
1st Eivind Naerland NKKO Norway
2nd Dave King IFK Ireland
3rd Kristian Soyland Shin Kyokushin Norway
Spirited fighter: Tyler Hughes-Morris IKKU England
Members of Cwmbran dojo travelled to the IFK Dutch Open Kata Championships this weekend (4th February '17), with fantastic results.
Alex Mort 5th Place
Daniel Parsons 1st Place
Libby Morse 2nd Place
James Mates 3rd Place
Fynley Morse 4th Place & Most Spirited
Hannah Davies 3rd Place
Jaime-May Rowlands 3rd Place
Cwmbran B Team 4th Place
Cwmbran A Team 1st Place
More details and photos can be found clicking here
Congratulations to all.
Osu!
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.
(L-R) Wai Cheung (coach), Callum Pearce, Dylan Baldwin, Olivia Pickthall, Luke Jones, Jaime-May Rowlands, Chris Davies (coach)
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.
Some of Team Japan warming up early on Day Two
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.
With Kancho Royama from Kyokushin-kan
report by Sensei Wai Cheung
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!
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!
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.
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
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
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:
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) 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
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
