Entries are coming in for this year’s Welsh Knockdown Championships hosted by BKK Wales.
See who’s in it to win it…
Entry closing date is 27th April ‘2019.
Results for Pilatus 2019, Switzerland
U18 England and U18 Wales were represented by 23 competitors at this year’s Pilatus Cup in Kriens, Luzern, Switzerland, lead by Wales Head Coach Sensei Chris Davies, and England Head Coach Sensei Wai Cheung, and skills coaches Shihan Sunil Tailor and Senpai Gareth Jones.
Fantastic results, and great learning experiences for all involved.
Kata Girls 4th Kyu+
Holly Harvey - BKK Wales 1st place
Seren Harries - BKK Wales 2nd place
Katie Martin - BKK Wales 3rd place
Kyokushin Rules
Boys 11-13yrs (Lightweight)
Ashley Black BKK England 1st
Daniel Parsons BKK Wales 2nd place
Boys 11-13yrs (Heavyweight)
Rhys Meredith BKK Wales 1st
William Lawrence BKK Wales 2nd place
Boys 14-15yrs (Lightweight)
Luke Sabey BKK England 3rd place
Boys 14-15yrs (Heavyweight)
Ethan Hardwick BKK Wales 3rd place
Girls 14-15yrs (Heavyweight)
Mia Hawkins BKK England 2nd
Katie Martin BKK Wales 3rd place
Girls 16-17yrs
Maesi Blackford BKK England 3rd
Boys 16-17yrs (Heavyweight)
Robert Salvi BKK England 2nd place
Boys 18-21
Dylan Baldwin BKK Wales 1st place
Girls 18-21yrs
Alicia Bennett BKK Wales 1st place
1st Ashley Black (England) , 2nd Daniel Parsons (Wales)
1st Rhys Meredith (Wales), 2nd William Lawrence (Wales)
1st Dylan Baldwin (Wales)
Kata 4th Kyu+: 1st Holly Harvey (Wales), 2nd Seren Harries (Wales) , 3rd Katie Martin (Wales)
New Knockdown Referee Courses - a must attend for all BKK Referees and Judges
Two Knockdown Referee Courses have been announced to review knockdown rules within the BKK to incorporate Adult, Veterans, Cadets and Junior Kyokushin rules. The courses are in preparation for the Welsh Open Tournament 11th May 2019 and the British Open – Cup of Europe at K2, Crawley, Saturday 5th October 2019.
Any qualified or non-qualified Referee/ Judge wishing to be considered to officiate at either event must attend these courses.
Course One (30th March ‘19): [THEORY] will involve in-depth analysis of rules to ensure referees and judges are able to sit and pass the examination.
LOCATION : Dourdan Pavilion, The Causeway, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 2AA
Course Two (14th April ‘19): [PRACTICAL AND EXAM] practical application of refereeing, followed by an examination for all participants, whether qualified or non-qualified referee/ judge. A new examination has been developed to incorporate Adult, Veterans, Cadets and Junior Kyokushin rules.
LOCATION: Talberd Room, Foakes Hall, 47 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow, Essex CM6 1DG
Please email andrew.turner491@btinternet.com or call (+4479740 94925) Shihan Andrew Turner to register your attendance.
Zahari Damyanov UK seminar #timetobeunited
On the 23rd February 2019, Sensei Zahari Damyanov, the current absolute World Champion was in London to lead an open seminar hosted by the BKK’s Sensei Hristo Lyubenov at his Ichi Geki dojo in Bounds Green, alongside BKK Chairman and IFK Secretary General, Shihan Liam Keaveney.
The seminar was attended by a number of Kyokushin groups (BKK, IFK, Kyokushin-kan, Shinkyokushin,IKO1, KWU, EMAR) all with a common goal of knowledge sharing, developing Kyokushinkai, and building strong friendships old and new.
(L-R) Shihan Liam Keaveney, Sensei Zahari Damyanov, Sensei Hristo Lyubenov
Sensei Zarahi Damyanov with BKK National Coaches Sensei Kenny Jarvis, and Sensei Wai Cheung
#timetobeunited #kyokushinkai #karate #osu
BKK National Kata tournament 2019 - RESULTS
Team GB selected for Kata World Championships in April
The following individuals and team members have been selected by Sensei Darren Stringer to represent Team GB at the upcoming IFK World Kata Championships on 27th April in Holland.
Mens:
Anil Tailor (Budo dojo)
Womens:
Sarah Stoddart (Chelmsford)
Holly Davies (Mountain Ash)
Boys:
Luke Davies (Mountain Ash)
Nikhil Patel (Loughborough)
Girls:
Sophie Hobbs (Mountain Ash)
Mia Morgan (Mountain Ash)
Holly Harvey (Mountain Ash)
Georgia Slocombe (Dunmow)
The teams are:
Adults: Anil Tailor, Holly Davies, Sarah Stoddard
Juniors: Luke Davies, Sophie Hobbs, Mia Morgan
We wish them the very best of luck.
Osu!
[Tournament Report] GB at KWU 6th World Youth/ 2nd European Adult Championships
Fighters from the BKK, as KWU representatives, and fighters from IKK and EMAR representing a unified Team GB attending the Kyokushin World Union’s (KWU’) 6th World Youth and 2nd European Adult Championships in Varna, Bulgaria on the 7th-9th December 2018.
This was a landmark occasion for the BKK in taking U16 competitors to a contact-based tournament, and we’re pretty sure the handful of parents that travelled with the team were more nervous than the squad.
The adult team provided high hopes of podiums with experience and consistency at European level with Luke Baldwin, Emma Markwell and Hayley-Beth Rowlands flying the flag.
3 days of tournament fighting with over 700 competitors saw very high-levels at all ages.
Our U18 team all had tough first round draws which was to be expected at such a prestigious championships; Ashley Black’s first taste at World level drew a strong fighter from Armenia, Mia Morgan’s opponent from Poland, Russian’s for Holly Harvey and Charlie Denton, Luke Sabey’s dream draw from Japan, and Rhys Meredith making it all the way through to the quarter finals beating opponents from Belarus and Romania, missing out on a semi final place to the eventual winner from Russia. IKK GB representatives Callum and Harry had tough draws from Bulgaria and Kazakhstan respectively.
With relative inexperience amongst our U18s at such a high standard of competition, all without exception showed determination and spirit on the mats, and conducted themselves commendably off the mats, representing the country and BKK proudly.
The Adult tournament was equally tough, and although pitched at European level, categories saw multiple World Champions on display vying for the KWU European title in only its second edition of the championships.
Luke Baldwin was drawn against former British Open champion and current KWU World Champion, Drodz from Russia who Luke had previously fought at K2 in Crawley. An improved performance from Luke but ultimately Drodz proved too powerful over 2 mins.
Emma Markwell looked strong, and full of conviction on her way to the semi finals where she met and took the fight to Shemina, her Russian opponent she’d fought earlier in the year at the IFK European Tournament in Armenia. Emma put Shemina on the back foot early in the round with combinations, and strong body and low kicks, keeping her off balance. It was clear the early onslaught and aggresion took Shemina by surprise, but she did enough to rally and bring about a draw going into the first extension.
Both looked to take mat centre at the start of the second round; strong chest punches and knees from Shemina saw Emma increase her own punch count and knee combinations as well continuing to deliver heavy low kicks unbalancing her opponent on a number of occasions. As the fight headed into final third, Emma increased her pace forcing Shemina to match her. Fighting to hold the centre of the mat, both fighters matched each other, although Emma’s low kicks clearly causing damage on her opponent.
With both fighters ready for a second extension and encho-sen, three judges unexpectedly raised flags for the Russian. Delight for Shemina who’s leg was visibly damaged after the fight, it was a solid but disappointing and nevertheless solid bronze medal performance for Emma.
Hayley-Beth Rowlands reached her first career major tournament final, with stoppages by punches and ushiro geri, and a commanding semi-final flags decision against Ukraine and Russia fighters respectively, setting up the final against Tsakiri of Greece.
Any signs of nerves were gone early in the fight as Hayley set about stemming her opponent’s aggressive start with stiff punches and hard leg kicks of her own. With a high-pace style of fighting, Hayley took control using angles to keep Tsakiri off balance, throwing direct and hook punches coupled with chudan mawashis and hizas to wear her opponent down. An attempted ushiro mawashi geri came close to connecting but for her loss of balance.
As much as Tsakiri tried to counter attack, Hayley was the clear aggressor in ascendance not giving her opponent any space or time to work. She was able to use her technical and strength superiority to continually move forwards, driving the Greek out of bounds in the final seconds of the round.
A unanimous decision after 3 mins meant Hayley deservedly became the -50kg KWU European Champion, and award for Best Female Technician.
Team GB (BKK) announced for KWU World Youth (U18) Tournament, and Adult European Tournament
Youth and experience combine for Great Britain at the KWU Kyokushin European Championship among men, women and seniors in weight categories, and 6th KWU Open Kyokushin Youth World Championship (kumite) in weight categories which are going to be held in Bulgaria, Varna, on December 6th – 10th, 2018.
Solid tournament performances and consistency sees the following fighters get their chance to represent Great Britain for the KWU’s year-ending showpieces.
Good luck to all. OSU!
GB U18 Team
Luke Davies (Cadet) - Mountain Ash
Sophie Hobbs (Cadet) - Mountain Ash
Ashley Black - Crawley
Charlie Denton - Crawley
Holly Harvey - Mountain Ash
Rhys Meredith - Mountain Ash
Mia Morgan - Mountain Ash
Luke Sabey - Saffron Walden
GB Adult
Luke Baldwin - Mountain Ash
Emma Markwell - Westcroft
Hayley-Beth Rowlands - Cardiff
42nd British Open 2018 Official Results
Relive the action of the 42nd British Open
British Open 2018 Fighters Preview
The BKK is set to host its 42nd British Open on Saturday 6th October 2018 at K2, Crawley in what will be an absolute hotbed of Kyokushin fighting elite and talent.
Year on year we see an increase in standard at our championships, presently there are 23 organisations from 22 countries participating in this years 42nd edition of the British Open. Here we look at some of the potential favourites and also at our BKK entries in the Cup of Europe Open categories.
Mens Lightweight
Current champion and Spanish favourite Dani Redondo is looking to take his third Crown but will have some stiff opposition with some very strong Russians including last years runner up Anton Adushkevich from Gazprom team and KWU Varna Cup Champion Maksim Voitov. Also look out for Lithuanian Champion Jonas Enimontas.
Mens Middleweight
Russia will once again have a big say in where the crown goes this year with KWU World Champions Alexandre Drozd and Victor Belyaev both vying for the title but there is some great opposition from around the globe with both last years 3rd place winners crowd favourite Clai Henry from the USA, and Zsolt Zsiga of Hungary looking to go one further and make the final. Also look out for Romanian kicker Catalin Mocanu who should excite with his fast aggressive style.
Mens Heavyweight
2018 Champ Aleksandr Karshigeev also looks for a 3rd crown but teammate Vitalii Ishakneli will want to add to his IFK World and European titles. With some many good heavyweights its hard to pick only a few favourites but look out for Euro champs JP Jacquot of France and Eventas Guzaukas. Also we have two top fighters doing it for the over 40’s with former World Champion Samson Muripo coming all the way from Zimbabwe and multi time Euro champ Pablo Estensoro Spain
Womens LW
As Womens events go from strength to strength six time Champion Emma Markwell will look at this division and see it packed with depth. Her opponent last year Teona gazdeliani is back as a KWU World Champion, IFK World Champs runner up Rima Artemova also wants to avenge her 2014 loss to Markwell. WKO new European golden girl Skaiste Venckute will hope her high workrate can take her far and hard punching Alina Polishchuk of Russia will fancy her chances of gold. Can last years semi finalist Hayley Beth Rowlands push for a higher ranking this year.
Womens HW
Another division packed with quality and who can pick a winner from KWU and IFK World Champion Agata Winiarska, KWU World Champion Maria Papdopoulou, Svetlana Tuchkova former IFK World Champion, Marta Lubos Poland and Sara Hagge Sweden both European Champions.
With such a packed field, we are looking at one of the most exciting tournaments to date.
Severn Challenge 2018 - Results
Mia Morgan (BKK Wales) performing Kanku Dai
The Severn Challenge was held on the 8th September 2018 and hosted by BKK Wales, with competitors from BKK England, BKK Wales, IFK Ireland, IKK England and WKK Wales.
A big thank you to all those that attended, in what was a very successful tournament.
Osu!
High Grade Kata finalists (L-R): Mia Morgan BKK Wales (2nd place), Chloe Slocombe BKK England (3rd place), Luke Davies BKK Wales (1st place)
Team England (L-R): Shihan Sunil Tailor, Charlotte Raisen, Ashley Black, Charlie Denton, Bradley Rowlinson, Callum Breward, Brandon Wise, Luke Sabey, Jude Ibrahim, Nikhil Patel, Charlie Watson, Chloe Slocombe, Leon Tailor, Mia Hawkins, James Baker, Evanya Tailor, Sensei Wai Cheung
Team Wales
MORE PHOTOS TO FOLLOW
Senpai Dave Ketley (2nd Dan) - Funeral arrangements
The Funeral of Senpai Dave Ketley 2nd Dan is on Wednesday September 12th 10.30 am at Chelmsford Crematorium (Writtle Road, Chelmsford, CM1 3BL) followed by a celebration of Dave's life at Channels Golf Club 12.00.noon onwards. Senpai Dave had many friends in the BKK and IFK, and his family would love for you to attend
Regards Shihan Stuart
Senpai Dave pictured here at his last training session with Shihan Stuart Wright.
RIP Senpai Dave Ketley, 2nd Dan.
It is with sadness the BKK announces on Friday 3rd August Senpai Dave Ketley (2nd Dan) passed away. He was a student at the Chelmsford Dojo for 35 years, and will be sadly missed by friends and his wonderful family.
Our condolences to his family at this sad time.
RIP Dave.
Senpai Dave pictured here at his last training session with Shihan Stuart Wright.
Appointment Of New Coaches - Junior & Senior Squads
The BKK executive and Coaching Committee are pleased to announce the promotion of Sensei Wai Cheung to the role of England U18 (Junior & Cadet) Head Coach, whilst Senpai Kenny Mortin joins the senior coaching team as a knockdown skills coach.
Sensei Wai Cheung (4th Dan) England U18 (Junior & Cadets) Head Coach
Senpai Kenny Mortin (2nd Dan) adult knockdown skills coach
Shihan Nick Da Costa from the BKK Coaching Committee said: "Both Wai and Kenny have been extremely successful fighters on the international stage in their own right, and expectations are high as they pass on their skills & determination to the next generation in their new coaching roles."
We wish them all the best and good success for the future BKK international fighters.
AGM and new Executive Committee appointments
The BKK AGM was held on 21st April along with the Instructors Course -we congratulate Shihan Felix Ntumazah and Sensei Chris Davis for their appointment as EC members, and thank Sensei Tony White and Shihan Stuart Wright for their contribution at EC level.
English Open 2018 results
The BKK held a successful English Open 2018 on the 13th May for UK and Ireland based organisations, which included categories for Open Adult, Novice, Cadet and, for the first time in BKK history, Junior IFK Kyokushin rules fighting.
Jim Barton (BKK Verwood) dropping a well timed jodan mawashi geri
Luke Baldwin (BKK Mountain Ash, and Team GB) on his way to the 2018 English Open Middleweight Title
Team GB announced for IFK European 2018 tournament
The adult and U18 GB Knockdown Team has been announced for the IFK European tournament, held in Armenia on the 7th and 8th April.
(clockwise): Gab Barbu, Blake Collins, Emma Markwell, Jaime-May Rowlands, Beth Salvi, Luke Baldwin, Hayley-Beth Rowlands
We wish them the best as they move into the final weeks of preparation. Representing IFK Great Britain will be:
U18 Team
- Jaime May Rowlands U18 BKK Cwmbran
- Bethany Salvi U18 BKK Crawley
- Sensei Wai Cheung Coach
Adult Team
- Emma Markwell Lightweight BKK Westcroft
- Hayley Beth Rowlands Lightweight BKK Cardiff
- Blake Collins Middleweight BKK Crawley
- Luke Baldwin Middleweight BKK Mountain Ash
- Gabriel Barbu Heavyweight BKK Crawley
- Sensei Kenny Jarvis Coach
New GB Knockdown Head Coach - Sensei Kenny Jarvis (3rd Dan)
Announcing the appointment of three-time British Open Champion and numerous international titles, Sensei Kenny Jarvis (3rd Dan), as new GB Knockdown Squad Head Coach with immediate effect.
We will now be looking for skills coaches for both England and Wales to backfill and support the current coaching team.
BKK Wales success at Pilatus Cup, Switzerland
Congratulations to the BKK Wales Team, coached by Sensei Chris Davies, attending this year's Pilatus Cup in Switzerland which was kata and Kyokushin Rules tournament only.
Low Grade kata (girls)
Niamh Warner 3rd
High grade kata (girls)
Mia Morgan. 1st
Seren Harries. 2nd
Holly Harvey. 3rd
High grade kata (boys)
Luke Davies. 1st
William Lawrence. 4th
Kyokushin Rules 11-13yrs (girls)
Lili Bryan. 2nd
Kyokushin Rules 11-13yrs (boys)
Rhys Meredith. 1st
Kyokushin rules 14-15 (girls)
Holly Harvey. 1st
Mia Morgan 2nd
Kyokushin Rules 14-15 (boys)
Luke Davies. 1st
Cadet L/W girls
Sophie Hobbs 2nd
Cadet H/W girls
Alicia Bennett. 1st
