Welsh Bushi-Kai Karate Association

Calendar:
The Calendar page has now been updated with all dates for WBK Gradings and Courses for this year. Please note the change of  venues for the Brown Belt and Dan Gradings. Details of the week long Dan Grade course will be added closer to the grading date, as will the dates of any pre-grade courses that we will hold.

Port Talbot Club:
Our Port Talbot Club, run by Mark Mcmahon 4th Dan, has new training times. Sessions will now take place on Weds evenings 6.45pm til 7.45pm.

Gilfach Goch Karate Club:
The Gilfach Club, run by Grant Hole 2nd Dan, has new training times, now 6.00pm til 8.oopm, Tues & Thurs at the  usual venue. 

Reminder:
Students are reminded that they must have an up-to-date WBK Licence to train and grade within the Association. This is a mandatory requirement. Licence Renewal / application forms can be downloaded from the homepage of this website or can be supplied by your Club Instructor

Wado Invitational Championships – Worcester
Sunday 30th saw a small squad from our Association attend the Wado Invitational Championships hosted by the Hon Yoso Kai Karate Association. Once again our fighters did us proud, winning 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Results page has been updated with full details of our medal winners.
Unusually for  competitions these days, the largest category was the Senior Male kumite, which saw Mark McMahon and Anthony Bridge both progressing to the Final after 4 preliminary rounds – Anthony taking Gold on this occasion.
As usual, we congratulate everyone who represented the WBK.

Junior Grand Slam Event – Manchester
We are delighted to report that both Amy Nicholas and Jordan Harris performed well at the Junior Grand Slam held yesterday. The event, a warm up for the Junior Europeans, saw all of the home nations squads in action.
Amy ended the day with 1 Win, 1 Draw and 1 Loss, whilst Jordan ended with 2 wins and 1 loss – Well done to both.

This sunday sees the Junior Grand Slam karate event take place in Manchester.
The Welsh Bushi-Kai are proud to report that we have two representatives fighting for the Welsh National Team – Jordan Harris and Amy Nicholas.
Jordan and Amy both train at our Cwmafan Dojo with Nigel Taylor, the WBK Kumite Coach. The Grand Slam event has been arranged with the intention of giving all of the Home Nations Junior squads valuable International experience prior to the EKF Junior European Championships which take place in Serbia at the beginning of February.
The WBK would like to wish Jordan and Amy, and their Welsh Team-mates good luck at this prestigious event

Yesterday saw the Welsh Bushi-Kai squad in action for the first time this year, competing at the Tobi Ishi-Kai Wado Championships which was held in Worcester. A great start to the 2011 campaign with our fighters coming home with 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze medals, despite the absence of many of our more experience fighters. Well done to everyone who competed yesterday.
There were many fine performances on the day but of particular note was the Gold Medal winning performance of our Senior Ladies Team who are now beginning to show their true potential.
Photos of our medal winners are in the Photo gallery and Results page has been updated.

Listed below are the dates for the Last / First training sessions at our Dojos over Xmas break.

BAGLAN – last session  Friday Dec 17th …… Training resumes on Friday January 7th

PORT TALBOT – last session Wednesday Dec 15th …. Training resumes on Wednesday January 12th

CWRT HERBERT – last session Friday Dec 17th ….. Training resumes on Friday January 7th

CWMAFAN –  last session Thursday Dec 23rd …… Training resumes on Thursday January 6th

GILFACH GOCH – last session Thursday Dec 16th ….. Training resumes on Tuesday January 4th

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY –

LLANWRDA – Club sessions 2010 finished …. Training resumes on Thursday January 6th

3 on 3 Karate Showcase Event – Aberavon Hotel December 5th

Sunday 5th December saw the final event of the Welsh Bushi-Kai’s 30th Anniversary celebrations – A Karate show case, featuring some of the top kumite competitors in Britain. Along with the Welsh Bushi Kai, 3 other associations, Western Karate Union, Vale of Glamorgan and Welsh Karate Kai were present, with a host of National and International Champions.

2 events ran in one exciting evening of top class karate, a Senior Male Team event and senior ladies individuals. These 2 events ran side by side, with the men split into 2 pools of 3, with every team fighting the other 2 in the pool with the team with the most wins progressing to the final. Due to an injury to one of the competitors in the ladies event, dropping the number of competitors to 5, the format for the ladies became a league – with each girl fighting the other 4.

The evening started with introduction of the officials (all World, European or British qualified) and the competitors to the 300 strong audience. The opening bout was from Pool A of the mens event with our own “A” team vs. Welsh Karate Kai. With a large and vociferous support for the Welsh Bushi Kai this was a great start to proceedings, which saw the Bushi-Kai “A” team come from 1-0 down to win 2-1. Next up were the ladies, with Welsh Bushi Kai’s Holly Carey taking on Welsh Karate Kai’s Ffion Morgan, another great result for Bushi Kai with Holly winning the bout by 8 clear points. Next up saw Bushi Kai’s Jess Forse, suffer a defeat at the hands of Multiple British Champion and seasoned international competitor Sammi Scott (Welsh Karate Kai). The next mens event, which was a Pool 2 encounter between the Welsh Bushi Kai “B” team take on Vale – despite winning the 1st fight Bushi-Kai suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of our friends from Barry.

Welsh Bushi Kai “A” won Pool A with Victory over Western Karate Union “B”, they would need to wait for the results of Pool B – which went to the final match between Western Karate Union “A” and Vale. Vale needing to win 2-1 (due to a much superior points difference), came very close to beating one of Britains top teams and the current English Champions, the result 1 win and a draw for each team. The final was decided – Welsh Bushi-Kai “A” vs Western Karate Union “A”.

The girls were still competing, with Sarah Clarke (Western Karate Union) and Sammi Scott showing their class – the 2 were due to meet in the final round robin match, both had a 100% record going into this fight, which meant it was a winner takes all fight. Sarah seemed to be in control of the fight, holding a 4-1 lead with just 10 seconds left, however Sammi was not defeated yet pulling out a head kick to level the scores with just 6 seconds remaining. As the fight looked like it was heading to an extension Sarah scored another point on the bell to take a narrow and hard fought victory and the £100 prize.

At this point in the evenings event we had a short break, where Sensei Chico Mbakwe, 7th Dan Shotokan and BKF Cheif Referee gave an emotional speech in tribute to Shihan Ritchie Noblett and announced the Induction of Shihan Noblett into the WKGB Welsh Karate Hall of Fame.  Ritchies wife , Liz , was  presented with the Roll of Honour certificate on Ritchies behalf. A well recieved and fitting tribute to Ritchie – Welsh Karates finest and most inspirational exponent.  Then it was back to the action !!

The final fight of the night saw Welsh Bushi Kai and Welsh Karate Union renew their rivalry. The winners of this bout would win £300. Fight one saw Rhys Edwards (WBK) vs Darren Haynes (WKU), both of these are international competitors and have won multiple Individual and Team National titles. This was expected to be a tight fight, Darren took the early lead, but Rhys soon came to life scoring a head kick which raised the noise in the crowd and gave Rhys the lead. This seemed to increased Rhys’s confidence as he fought his way to a 10-2 victory with just seconds of the 4 minute fight remaining. Fight two saw 2 of Britain’s top fighters of the past decade meet, with David Godfrey (WBK), the 3 times Commonwealth Champion and 2 time European Bronze medalist, taking on Rory Daniels (WKU) who is also a 3 time Commonwealth Champion and a former World Open-weight Champion. Both fighters had been on top form comfortably winning both of their pool matches and another tight contest was anticipated, however, this was not to be as Rory raced to an 8-0 victory. With the match tied at 1 fight each and the scores level at 10-10, the final bout would decide which team walked away as champions and £300 richer. Representing Welsh Bushi Kai was Jordan Harris, the youngest competitor in the entire event at just 16, although only recently moving into the seniors he has a wealth of experience, winning Open competitions all over Europe, being British and Welsh Champion and placing in the top 7 in the World Championships and top 5 in the European championships. Opposite him was Shaun Langston, a former England Junior International and an English and British champion. The fight started at a frantic pace, with Jordan showing he had made the transition to senior competitions, by taking a 5-2 lead – at this point the crowd were at their loudest, Shaun was giving everything to get back into the fight, unfortunately his enthusiasm saw him pick up repeated warnings for continuing after yame and he was disqualified. This gave Bushi Kai a 2-1 win and £300.

The event was only possible due to all of the hard work of Nigel, Mark and Liz, and they would like to thank Rob Copeland and his Vale Squad, Paul Scott and his Welsh Karate Kai Squad and Alan Flook, Andy Gunton and their WKU squad for supporting the event and helping make it a brilliant night of top quality karate. A big thanks also has to go out to the officials in attendance who are amongst the best in Britain. Finally we would also like to thank the spectators for the amazing support they gave to all of the competitors on the night, the atmosphere was brilliant throughout.

We have had nothing but positive feedback and have been asked “Are you doing this again next year?” and “When’s the next one?”. Well, we can’t answer exactly as we don’t know ourselves, but we hope to run another event in early December next year.

Western Karate Union Invitation Championships

Another great day for the WBK at yesterdays WKU event in Weston.
Our Squad came away with a 20 medal haul for their superb efforts.
Full results below:-

GOLD
Iestyn Wiliams 5-7 Boys
Megan Taylor 10-12 Girls -40kg
Amy Nicholas 13-15 Girls +55kg
Emma Powell Senior Kata 4th & 5th Kyu
Jordan Harris Male 16/17yrs
Holly Carey Senior Ladies upto 4th Kyu +60kg
 
SILVER
Rebecca Hole 10-12 Girls +40kg
Jack Jones 10-12 Boys +45kg
Tom O’Leary 13-15 Boys -55kg
Kerri Morgan Senior Ladies upto 4th kyu -60kg
 
Bronze
James Norman 5-7 boys
Tom Hole 8/9yrs Boys
James O’Leary 8/9yrs Boys
Bethany Southall 13-15 Girls -55kg
Pete Twibill Senior Kate 4th & 5th Kyu
Welsh Bushi – Kai “A” – Male Team
Welsh Bushi – Kai “B” – Female Team
Emma Powell Senior Ladies upto 4th Kyu +60kg
Dan Kuras Senior Men upto 4th kyu -70kg
Pete Twibill Senior Men upto 4th kyu -70kg

Welsh Bushi-Kai Invitational Karate Championships Report : – by Mark McMahon 4th Dan

The Welsh Bushi Kai Championships returned on Sunday 21st November, to a new home in Bridgend.   Almost 300 competitors from 19 associations were present on the day, with the new venue not being as large as the lido we had concerns about holding the expected number of spectators, particularly with no barriers to keep them away from the tatami’s, and what looked to be a short fall of officials.  A huge thanks must be given to Ivor Thomas (WKU),  Alan Prosser (Welsh Higashi) and the Bushi Kai senior grades who were present – you all did great jobs on the tatami’s all day, and a special mention goes to the Swansea University students who stepped in to run the tables before and after competing in their events. WIthout these people we would not have had a competition.

The Competition started just after 9.30am with the Kata, with the 1st kumite events starting just before 11am.  The standard of the kata was particularly high with several National Champions on display.  As the kumite events started there was a buzz in the air as many of England and Wales top competitors were present. The day progressed well, & unusually for a competition these days, the only comments heard about the officials were good comments!!   We must be doing things right.From the youngest age the standard was incredibly high, and the competition was tough, with many Welsh Champions and British Medallists falling short of medals here. There was a short break before the senior teams to introduce 4 out of 5 of the Junior Welsh Squad going to Serbia for next years Junior Europeans, Jordan Harris, Amy Nicholas (both Welsh Bushi Kai), Sammi Scott and Ashley Edwards (both WKK), The last event of the day was the Inaugral Ritchie Noblett Shield.

8 Strong teams competed for the sheild, with the finalists being Welsh Bushi Kai and WKU – A final Ritchie would have loved, his very own association facing off against his close friends and fierce rivals from Birstol. As is always the way when these 2 teams meet the final was a very tight affair going all the way to the wire, with Welsh Bushi-Kai edging it 2 fights to 1. The event finished with Chris Noblett (Ritchie’s son) presenting the team medals and the Shield to the Welsh Bushi Kai.

We would like, once again, to thank everybody who helped in the running of the event as well as all of the coaches, competitors and parents who were present on the day for making this the fantastic event it was, and look forward to seeing you all again in 2 weeks time at “Fight Night” or our next competition in 2011.

Results from the Welsh Bushi-Kai Invitational Karate Championships held on 21/11/2010. Detailed Report and photos will be added to site later.

Cat: U8 Boys any grade 
1. Cian Mongley,  2. Darragh Power,  3. Joseph Wallen,  3. Thomas Harrhy

Cat: U8 Girls
1. Danielle Williams,   2. Megan Thomas,   3. Katie Megan Davies,  3. Ellie Needs

Cat: U10 Boys 5th Kyu & below
1. Jac Benson,  2. Adam Young,  3. Joseph Adams,  3. Joshua Thomas

Cat: U10 Girls any grade
1. Tirna Connors,   2. Portia Ogden,  3. Nia Francis-Davies,   3. Ella May O’Driscoll

Cat: U12 Boys 3rd Kyu and above
1. Morgan Phillips,   2. Cory Kingdom,   3. James Conlan,   3. Jack Nicholls

Cat: U12 Girls 3rd Kyu & above
1. Rebecca Hole,  2. Megan Taylor,  3. Kloe Christoforato,  3. Annie Williams

Cat: U14 Boys 3rd Kyu & above
1. Harry Crook,  2. Tom O’Leary,  3. Daryll Hutchinson,  3. James Eade

Cat: U14 Girls 3rd Kyu & above
1. Chloe James,  2. Amy Bater, 3. Nikita Denner, 3. Holly Richards

Cat: U16 Girls all grades
1. Amy Nicholas,  2. Jenna Lee,  3. Ffion Wathan,  3. Chelsie Ware

Cat: Snr Male 4th Kyu & Below
1. Andrew Matthews,   2. Dan Kuras,  3. Stuart Williams,  3. Ryan Woodward

Cat: U10 Boys 4th Kyu & above
1. Ewan Albright,  2. James O’Leary,  3. Ioan Redmore,  3. Tom Hole

Cat: U12 Boys 4th Kyu & below
1. Jordan Ali Williams, 2. Thomas Davies, 3. William Ritchards, 3. Aaron Pratten

Cat: U12 Girls 4th Kyu & below
1. Tia Bowkett,  2. Charlotte Orr,  3.Holly Mogford,  3. Sam Chapman

Cat: U14 Boys 4th Kyu & below
1. Anthony Phillips,   2. Richard Higgins,  3. Lewys Bennett,  3. Ryan Cole

Cat: U14 Girls 4th Kyu & below
1. Ffion Moore,  2. Lauren Howard,  3. Gemma Davies

Cat: U16 Boys all grades
1.Jordan West,  2. Dylan West,  3. James Govin-Summers,  3. Kyle Knight

Cat: Snr Ladies all grades
1. Sarah Clarke,  2. Holley Carey,  3. Jess Forse,  3. Sammi Scott

Cat: Male Cadets ( U18 )
1. Jordan Harris,  2. Ashley Edwards,  3. Luke Howard,  3. Harvey Patterson

Cat: Snr Male 3rd Kyu + (-70kgs)
1. Gareth Reynolds,  2. Rhys Edwards,  3. Paul James,  3. Jordan Harris

Cat:  Snr Male 3rd Kyu + (+70kgs)                      
1. Anthony Bridge,  2. Steve Heath,  3. Jamie Phillips,  3. Darren Haynes

Cat: U10 Team (mixed)
1.Vale,  2.Pat Rockett Karate Academy,  3. Shiru ‘A’,  3. Cwmafan ‘A’

Cat: 10 -12 Boys Team
1. Seishan,  2. Cwmafan ‘A’,  3. Broadwell ‘A’,  3. Cwmafan ‘B’

Cat: 13 – 15 Boys Team
1. Welsh Bushi-Kai,  2. Kihon Karate,  3.……

Cat: Snr Mens Team
1. Welsh Bushi-Kai ‘A’,  2. Western Karate Union ‘A’,  3. Welsh Bushi-Kai ‘B’,  3. Western Karate Union ‘B’
WELSH BUSHI-KAI ‘A’ Win the inaugrual “RITCHIE NOBLETT SHIELD”

Cat: U10 Kata (mix)  4th Kyu & over
1. Ewan Albright,  2. Ieuan Davies,  3. Will Hellerman,  3. Sam Bennett

Cat: 10-12 Boys Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. James Eade,  2. Rhydian Neale,  3. Billy Towler,  3. Liam Wicks

Cat: U10 Kata (mix) 5th Kyu & below
1. Ellie May O’Driscoll,  2. Bradley Gibbin,  3. Isaac Hartley,  3. Owen Davies

Cat: 10-12 Kata (mix) 4th Kyu & below
1. Thomas Kerslake,  2. Thomas Davies,  3. Emma Squire,  3. Calum Martin

Cat: 10-12 Girls Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. Kloe Christoforato,  2. Shellie May,  3. Alexandra Slack,  3. Phoebe Thomas

Cat: 13-15 Boys Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. James Govin-Summers,  2. Shane McConnell,  3. Bradley Christoforato,  3. Harry Crook

Cat: 13-15 Kata (mix) 4th Kyu & below
1. Richard Huggins,  2. Gemma Davies,  3. Beth Vaisey

Cat: 13-15 Girls Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. Chelsie Ware,  2. Jenna Lee,  3. Paige Williams,  3. Amy Outing

Cat: Snr Female Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. Chelsie Ware,  2. Sarah Morgan,  3. Amy Wright-Hamilton,  3. Chloe Wright

Cat: Snr Kata (mix) 4th Kyu & below
1. Pete Twibill,  2. Emma Powell,  3.————

Cat: Snr Mens Kata 3rd Kyu & over
1. Rhys Adey, 2. Andrew Kanias, 3. Chad Collins, 3. James Govin-Summers

Welsh Team – Selection News:
We have today recieved confirmation from the WKGB that  Amy Nicholas & Jordan Harris  have been selected to represent Wales at the 2011 European Junior Karate Championships to be held in Serbia next February.

The Welsh Bushi-Kai would like to congratulate both students on their selection – just rewards for your efforts and achievements on the kumite circuit throughout the year. Of special mention is the fact that Amy becomes the first female from the Welsh Bushi-Kai to be selected to fight for her country.
Both Amy and Jordan train at our Cwmafan Karate Club with association kumite coach – Nigel Taylor.