One of our best competition days since the federation was formed in 1994 was held on Saturday 14th April 2012 at the leisure centre in Bletchley. Even though the number of competitors was slightly down on previous years, it was made up for with the enthusiasm and spirit from those who participated. The sportsmanship and effort of all who took part were a credit to the federation.
The day began, as usual, with the youngest of our competitors performing their chosen kata and continued through the ages and grades up to the black belt kata. There were some very good performances, most notably in the black belt category where some of the spectators watched in awe.
The day continued with the freestyle Kumite commencing once again with the youngest competitors who really got into the spirit of the occasion by displaying excellent effort and control. Working our way through the grades and categories up to the black belts, there were some truly brilliant displays of technique and control. There are always negatives, though, to what is always such a positive experience for most that enter. Sadly there were a couple of injuries, six to be precise, who needed treatment, but when you consider how many entered and how little the first aider was required that was, in itself, a brilliant result.
It has been asked that maybe next time we could give the girls between 11 and 15 their own category. This will be looked into in due course, once the dust has settled, but to make a competition for them we need more competitors. So come on, girls, make it an easy decision for us… enter!
One other point that has been raised is that how come the fighters who go out first round only get one fight? This is how a knock-out tournament works but the organising committee agrees it would be nicer if the entrants got a second chance so maybe things could be different next year.
The days’ climax was the annual team challenge where Milton Keynes area clubs take on the Bedford area clubs, and which was refereed by Senior instructors Sensei Kidby and guest instructor Sensei Donovan Slue. This is always a keenly-fought competition where, over the years, the honours have been just about even. This year the event was made slightly different. Instead of each team member getting one fight for three minutes against an opposing team member there was a twist. This time there were six in each area team. The fight lasted eighteen minutes duration and the team coaches could substitute or change their fighters at will any time throughout the contest. This made for a very exciting match and how closely the teams were matched once again.
The noise in the hall exceeded that at the nearby MK Dons stadium. Bedford began by taking a commanding lead but gradually Milton Keynes caught up as the cacophony of noise escalated. As the fight progressed, the lead was wittered away with Milton Keynes, coached by Sensei Andy Gillies, taking the win with a final score of 57 points to Bedford’s 45. Commiserations to Sensei McClagish and the Bedford team but we are sure the title will be yours again next year. Thanks must go to both teams for such a brilliant demonstration of karate and a great end to a fantastic competition day.
