BLACKWATER VALLEY SHOTOKAN KARATE

   THE WAY OF JAPAN

JSKA 4th World Cup 2008

August 21st-23rd 

Manchester Velodrome England.

The Venue!

The Grading 

It was my goal to take my Sandan at the JSKA World Cup to challenge myself to reach a new level of black belt, but more so use the event and the opportunity to prove my character to myself in such an arena in front of a panel of World Class Karateka to the JSKA Shihankai.

The Grading panel.

Sensei Abe, Sensei Nagaki Sensei (Japan),

Sensei Dieter Flindt (Germany) Sensei Pretorous (South Africa), Hans Mueller (Switzerland), Sensei Vilaca Pinto (Portugal) ,    

and Sensei Carruthers (England) who chaired the grading. 

After two hours of training in a warm but fantastic venue ,we went through Kihon Kata,Kumite with Sensei Abe and Sensei Nagaki  

Then with a break the nerves were under way but under control, which for me and grading`s was my first test of character and there I was sharing this with my fellow club students, and some other new friends also grading. 

Phil , Joanne, Amanda, and Myself 

Myself, Phil and Amanda going for Sandan and Jo taking her Shodan.

We started the grading up at 1.30pm with Joanne doing her Shodan Syllabus with a fellow brown belt and once completing her grading Jo waited while we were then to step up to the mark, in just twos in this massive venue in front of the panel.

Off we went partnering Phil was a help as we new each other but when it came to Kumite we knew that this was business and a karate battle was to happen. My Choice of Kata which was Gojushisho Sho this was part of the goal to perform this Kata then once completed I was given Jion.

 After we had completed all our grading with some points from the panel and words of guidance from Sensei Abe they announced we were all successful passed and relief, followed by happiness then finally the emotion of the whole journey from all the Dojo training, the event, and achieving the goal kicked in.  

Saturday 22nd The Championships 

The JSKA UK 2008 England Team!

Under the leadership of Sensei Harrison as chief Instructor and Coach and Championship assistance of Dave Gisby, the JSKA UK set out with about 40 students, with a mix of children and adults all kitted out with team tracksuits the JSKA UK was well represented.

Opening Ceremony of the Championships.

The team now complete and ready to go, the games were to commence with approximately 38 countries and around 500 - 700 competitors, and the referees and judges taking position at the front, in their officials jackets with impressive JSKA badges and ties to match.

Flags were waving, and a range of colours from team tracksuits, the veladrome centre ring was a filled and complete sight for a World event.

KATA.

The day was dedicated to Shotokan Kata with all ages competing where we witness some excellent Kata from all areas.

For  most of the team this was there first World Championships and they all preformed with spirit.

Sensei Harrison & Neil: Lisa Jo & Jem: Paul, Neil, Jamie, Phil,  Steve & Gary and Viv, Sally Amanda successfully taking a bronze for the JSKA female team Kata. 

Along with the adults it was great to see my very own BVSK students competing at the worlds learning and showing good character on the mats.

Abby and Jacqueline from BVSK ready for Kata.

Along with them Chris was performing at Brown belt level after successfully grading prior to the championship.

Chris 

The first day was complete with success for the ladies in team Kata and great experience for us all in competing and watching some very respected Kata the Shotokan way.

Sunday 23rd August 

The Grading presentation 

To great surprise the grading was announced at the start of Sunday`s opening where we were called and presented our certificate personally by Shihan Abe and the Shihankai board of the JSKA this was a honour I shall remember.

Kumite.

Shobu Ippon! 

With many divisions and good pool of people to each division, it made the challenge high and with the JSKA team entered in team events and individual with children, competing in Sanbon and Ippon division this made the competition varied.

Competing in the Veteran Division of about 25 of the age group I was making some good fighting form which I worked my way to the Quarter finals , but was please with my form as I was losing my timing during the year so I was happy and encouraged.

It was great to see fighters like George Best competing in another Senior  division , and then in the seniors where the up and coming senior fighters like Stu Needham (European KWF Champion) and Phil Manning, and Steven Edwards were all showing form. 

BVSK Instructors getting stuck in ! 

Neil , Steve , Keith 

Then BVSK students compete in Kumite 

Abby and Jacqueline in Kumite along with Chris.

Medals were picked up by some of the JSKA UK Team so a very well done to you all.

And then we closed the Championship! after some long days and some waiting and some excitement.

This what makes Karate a true art but also we make friends and have fun.

It was great to catch up with friends:

To name a few.

 JSKA Germany team : Martin, Andeas, Larz and Sensei Flint. 

JSKA South Africa: Sensei Michael Kilment and Sensei Soon Pretorous

The KWF GB team : So many to name you are a great Karate Family!

SEKU from Portsmouth (Terry and Stacey) 

Malcolm Philips 

JSKA GB who hosted the Championships and well done!

   And to close my blog off I would Personally like to say well done to:

All The JSKA UK Team

The BVSK Students

Sensei Harrison

and all my friends and family who have supported and taken interest in my Karate.