Welsh Bushi-Kai Karate Association

Announcement: Craig Tucker R.I.P

Sadly, and very suddenly, on Monday 1st December, Craig Tucker (7th Kyu) of the Afan Lido Karate Club (Baglan Dojo) passed away.
Craig was a much liked and valued member of the club and will be greatly missed by all of the students and Instructors who trained alongside him.

The Welsh Bushi-Kai would like to offer our sincere condolences to Craigs’  family and many friends at this time. Our thoughts are with you.

Rest Easy Craig.

To all members of the Welsh Bushi-Kai:

We are going to be meeting for a Xmas drink on Saturday December 20th at 7pm in the VILLAGE HOTEL (Victory Bar), SA1 Swansea.

They serve bar meals / snacks until 9.30pm. For hotel info check their website at www.village-hotels.co.uk

It would be great to see everyone there. Please contact Sharon James at the Baglan Club, or the WBK Facebook page for further info.

Mark Watkins – Afan Lido Kickboxing Club

We have recently been informed, and are pleased to announce that Mark (Blue) Watkins has been appointed as Coach to the W.A.K.O Wales Squad and as Assistant Coach to the W.A.K.O Great Britain Squad.

This is an outstanding accolade for Mark, worthy recognition of his coaching abilities.

Dan Grade News:   

After months of arduous preparation training, culminating in a very intense 5 day course, the WBK would like to congratulate the following students on passing their Dan Grade Examination.

1ST DAN: Joanne John, Chris Davies, Stuart Williams.

2nd DAN: Kieron Hooper and Tom O’Leary

Senior WBK Grade Promotion.

The WBK Dan Grade Panel would like to congratulate Mark Coleman on his promotion to the rank of 4th Dan. Mark is our Assoc Kata Coach as well as Co- Instructor of our Neath and Pontyberem Clubs, which he runs with his wife Natasha, also 4th Dan

Recently, the WBK squad have competed in the latest WKL2014 series, Event V held in Penarth on Sept 29th, and Event VI which was held on Oct 26th in Bridgend.

Once again our squad put in some great performances at these events, winning 3 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze at Event V, and 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze at Event VI.

Well done to all the competitors, coaches and officials involved.

Full details of our medal winners will be added to the Results page a.s.a.p

Dates, times and venues for the week long Dan grade course:

MONDAY 3rd November
Baglan karate club. 7.30pm – 9.00pm

TUESDAY 4th November
Gilfach goch karate club 7.00pm – 8.30pm

WEDNESDAY 5th November
Neath karate club. 5.30pm – 6.30pm

THURSDAY 6th November
Cwmavon karate club. 7.30pm – 8.30pm

FRIDAY 7th November
Baglan karate club. 7.00pm – 8.30pm

The Dan grading will take place on Saturday 8th November in Baglan Community centre
at 10.00am. doors open 9.30am

Tournament Info:

British Int.Open Championships, London Sept 13th.

S.E.N.I Championships. London Sept 14th

Brown belt courses have been finalised and will take place on Friday 5th Sept and on Friday 12th Sept at the Baglan Club, 7.00pm – 8.30pm ….normal dojo fees apply

Students taking their Brown belt grade examination on Sept 20th should attend both courses.

In the past couple of weeks, two stalwarts of British Karate have been promoted to the rank of 8th Dan.

Sensei Alan Flook, Chief Instructor of the Western Karate Union based in Bristol and Sensei Gabe Operanta, Chief Instructor of the WSKA, and Karate Wales Officer, have both been deservedly promoted to 8th Dan after decades of service and dedication to the art of Karate.
The Welsh Bushi-Kai would like to congratulate Alan and Gabe on their promotion, and would like to thank them for their contribution to Karate over so many years.