Seku Kata Squad Training and Open Squad Kumite 19/4/09
Hannah,Mike,Lee,Dylan ,Harry and Ben along with Sensei Steve traveled to Stanchester nr Yeovil for this months Open squad class.
After the senior squad kata class finished ,taken by Sensei Crowe,there was an open kumite class. The purpose of these open classes is to give anyone within Seku the chance to train with the senior squad and develop thier kumite skills, and maybe with regular club training and commitment a stepping stone into the senior squad itself.
SEKU National Championships 2009
Saturday 4th April saw the annual Seku Championships with Saltash Karate Club having 8 members competing and Sensei Steve and Sensei Bill Hollister as referees.
The first thing you noticed on arrival was the fantastic new trophies and banners. The Seku National Championship had a bit of a makeover this year but still with the positive attitude and spirit of last year but with the little extras that seemed to bring it alive.
For some of our competitors this was their first Nationals and not to be fazed by this they stepped up and did us proud. Dominic in the peewee Kata manged to get through a couple of rounds as did Dylan in the junior Kata .Both did extremely well in their respective Kumite events .
Results :
Ben Hobbs - 3rd jnr sanbon kumite over 5ft.
3rd jnr kata
3rd jnr kumite over 5ft
Harry Millar - 3rd sanbon kumite over5ft /3rd kyu & above
Liam Bissett - 2nd jnr kumite under 5ft
Mike Grimwood - 3rd youths kumite (16-17 yrs)
Lee Hollister - 1st Team kumite ( Porchester team )
Hannah Day - 1st ladies dan grade kata
1st ladies team kumite (Portsmouth team )
2nd ladies dan grade kumite
Star of the day had to go to Sensei Hannah not only winning the ladies kata ( this makes it 7 times now) but also coming 2nd in the ladies kumite and being part of the winning kumite team. Its not often that we see Hannah in kumite as kata is her preference but it just goes to show good fundamental karate technique comes out in any part of competition.
Thanks to Tracey ,Alistair, Mick and Debbie for their support throughout the day and for their videoing skills!!!
Fantastic day and well done all.
SKI HOLLAND 20th Anniversary Tournament 22/3/09
SEKU SQUAD-SKI HOLLAND
A smaller squad than usual left England's shores on the 21st March to compete in the 20th anniversary tournament in Hertogenbosch, Holland. Representatives included Jason Hollister, Lee Hollister and Mike Grimwood from Sensei Steve Hollister's Saltash club, Sam Weaver and George Oliver from Sensei Brian Smith's Lovedean dojo, Matt Powell from Sensei O'Donnell's Portchester club and finally Dave Galloway, Rob Maynard and Graham Rowley from the Honbu dojo. Sensei Mick Dewey and Terry Oliver led the group.
For many of this group it was to be their first experience of European competition and one which hold them in good stead for the future. The team stayed in the beautiful village of Oisterwijk and were made to feel very welcome by all the locals that we met.
Shortly after arrival the team had a light training/stretching session in a local park. This was as much to get tired muscles going but also to remind all of the purpose of the trip. Even though some thought that Mr Oliver was playing a prank! A nice evening meal and a relatively early night was to be ideal preparation for the long day ahead.
On arrival at the sports centre we were to see some familiar faces such as the SKIF Ireland team and the Belgians. Sensei Ridolfo Biaggio conducted the opening ceremony with a the referee/judges and a line up of the represented countries.
As is the norm, kata events started the day off. With regard to the events involving SEKU squad members, eliminations for the individual kata would be Heian for the junior/cadet with brown belt kata used for senior eliminations. This is now becoming usual for organiser of high level events as they expect international class competitors to be fully conversant with all primary kata. The cadets, George Oliver, Sam Weaver and Mike Grimwood progressed through 1-2 rounds but it seemed some organisational idiosyncracies denied them from progressing further. In the senior individual kata event Captain Dave Galloway was again denied a position in the finals for assumed similar reasons. (It does not follow that successful high level competitors who are regularly placed all fall foul of refereeing decisions. ED). Although it does not help when competitors perform their own version of standards Kata. Jack.
Dave Galloway, George Oliver and Sam Weaver continued recent solid performances in the team kata but again very narrowly missing out on a podium place. It should be noted that the winning Italian team performed a faultless Unsu to take the title. A short break in the day was followed by an Aikido demonstration. Aikido, meaning the harmonious way, was in contrast to the fiercely contested kumite events to follow.
As all kumite events involving squad members were occurring simultaneously it was difficult to support everyone but as usual, everybody not competing were there backing their team mate up.
Weight categories applied to the seniors and divisions were made at -65kg, -75kg and +75kgs. To summarise our squads performance is to say that each member performed very well on a higher level than is normally encountered. In the 5 man team though, the team were very unfortunate not to have taken a podium place following much disciplined bouts against the home team.
Special mention must be given to Matt Powell who was back to his usual bouncy self on the mat and to skipper Dave Galloway who led from the front as usual. It should be noted that these two gentlemen have fully taken on their roles as Captain and VC with the encouragement and support they give to the rest of the squad.
Undoubtedly the performance of the day was that of Sam Weaver. Sam has worked very hard in squad training and at his dojo with little gain over recent events. But he truly demonstrated that he will be amongst the titles in the years to come. Sam fought very well in the early rounds seeing off some very tough opposition before eventually succumbing to the eventual winner of the event. Incidentally, the same fighter who defeated George Oliver in the early rounds. Sam, nevertheless, had to fight off for 3rd place. At this time the area was surrounded with SEKU team mates. After being drawn back level by his opponent Sam performed gyaku tsuki, kizami mawashi geri for ippon and the match! A fantastistic demonstration from a young man who will be considered tough opposition for anyone he meets on the mat.
To finish, I would add that the event has been a learning curve for many of the travelling party but certainly, this group will take the lesson learnt and build upon them. THAT'S WHAT SEKU CHAMPIONS DO!
Legends Open Karate Championships 2009
The first competition of the year brought resounding success to the SHOTOKAN of ENGLAND KARATE UNION SQUAD. The coaching team have set a tall order for the squad members this year with six tournaments which include the European and World championship competitions to which the guys and girls have responded fantastically. SEKU Squad members from Saltash Karate Club members gave a good account of themselves notably Lee Hollister who fought his way through to the finals of the Senior Mens Kumite only losing to fellow squad member and squad captain Dave Galloway. Lee was also a member of the 5 man association team that also won Gold and the 3 man team that got Bronze.
Jason Hollister ,in the 3 man team with Dave Galloway and Kayhan Sefat (Kanku Karate Club) fought their way through to a well earned Silver.
Spare a thought for Mike Grimwood who took a nasty kick to the head during one of his bouts. (After Yame)! Mike had to go to hospital to get checked out but was ok only to return to a round of applause from the whole arena which just goes to show the great atmosphere and camaraderie amongst all karate-ka in attendance .
