Welsh Bushi-Kai Karate Association

 Shihan Ritchie Noblett 8th Dan
It is with great sadness that we have to report that Shihan Ritchie Noblett has lost his brave battle against cancer. Shihan passed away  overnight at his home in Port Talbot. Our thoughts and condolences are at this time with his devoted wife, Liz, his children Chris and Vicky and the family.
Shihan Noblett was one of the founding fathers of Karate in this country, and his contribution to Welsh Karate is immeasurable. Ritchie will be remembered by all those who had the pleasure to train with him as an incredible karate athlete, an innovator in coaching techniques, a very humble man who valued respect, loyalty and dedication in karate and life as paramount. Ritchies’  influence on karate will be ever present and he will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come.  Rest Peacefully Shihan.

 Shihan Billy Doak, 8th Dan Jujitsu, and founder of the Goshin Jujitsu Wales Association passed away yesterday after prolonged illness. Shihan Doak was a true master of his art and will be greatly missed by the martial arts community. The Welsh Bushi-Kai would like to express our sympathy and condolences to Billys’ wife – Shareen & family.

Sunday 22nd November saw the final Association Kyu Grade and Brown Belt course and grading take place at the Afan Lido.
Congratulations to all who passed their grading examination and many thanks to the Senior Grades and assistants for their hard work throughout the day.  Grading Details:
Red Belt 25, Yellow Belt 15, Orange Belt 13, Green Belt 8, Blue Belt 16, Purple Belt 11, plus 3rd Kyu Brown 13, 2nd Kyu Brown 5 and 1st Kyu Brown 6. In addition there were 29 students who attended the course in preparation for their next grading in 2010.

The Welsh Junior squad have been competing at the WKF World Junior Championships this past week.
Anthony Bridge contested the World U21 cup event. Unfortunately Anthony lost to a Columbian early on.
Jordan Harris has today narrowly missed out on winning a Bronze Medal,and had to settle for a Top 8 finish. Jordan beat opponents from Greece and Slovakia before narrowly losing to an Egyptian opponent who progressed to the final. In the repercharge, Jordan defeated his Brazilian opponent in rd 1 before facing an Australian. This match ended in a scoreless draw which resulted in the Hantei decision going in favour of the Australian.
Sammi Scott of the WKK  and Luke Davies of Vale were the only other Welsh competitors to progress past the 1st rd,with Sammi losing in her 2nd rd repercharge bout and Luke narrowly losing out on a 3rd rd decision. Both earning Top 16 placings.
All of the Squad who attended this event will have gained invaluable experience and can be proud of their efforts.

Day 1:
Great start for the Welsh Bushi-Kai Squad in Poland. Jordan Hopkins wins Gold and Mark McMahon wins Silver in their respective categories. Congratulations to both fighters.

Day 2:
Further success for the squad on the 2nd day of the Grand Prix of Poland. Gold for Jordan Harris, Jack Jones and Stephen John – Silver for Amy Nicholas, Sam Waters, Tom O’Leary, Tyler Hopkins, Megan Taylor and the U14 Team – Bronze for Rhys Elliot. Plus Top 5 placings for Ashley Lewis, Ellis Southall and Bethany Southall.
Well done to all who represented the Welsh Bushi-Kai and special mention to the Coaches for all their hard work in preparing the squad.

WELSH KARATE KAI TOURNAMENT:
Well done to the Welsh Bushi-Kai Juniors who competed in the WKK event held at the Afan Lido on Sunday.
Our students had a very successful day winning 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 6 Bronze medals.  Details on Results Page

The Main Hall at the Afan Lido has been double booked on the intended date of the Association Course and Gradings. [Sunday 15th  November],  Which unfortunately means that we cannot use the Hall on that date.  Therefore alternative arrangements have been made as follows
  
THE ASSOCIATION COURSE AND GRADING WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON:  SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER.
10.00am Start in the Main Hall at the Afan Lido.
 
THE BROWN BELT COURSE AND GRADING WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SAME DAY. (SUNDAY 22nd NOVEMBER.)
10.00 am start in the Dojo / Dance studio at the Afan Lido
[This is the original date for the Brown belt grading].
 
 
Would all Club Instructors ensure that all paperwork is returned to Liz by Thurs 19th November

Afan Lido Dojo: Students attending the Lido Karate classes on Monday 9th and Friday 13th Nov will have to use the rear entrance to the dojo.

Welsh Bushi-Kai fighters will be taking part in several events during the next 3 weekends.

Welsh Karate Kai Championships, Nov.1st, Afan Lido:  This event is set up for competitors who are U16yrs of age and has categories available for novice as well as the more experienced competitors.

Grand Prix Of Poland, City of Lodz, Nov 7th / 8th:  Nigel Taylor & Mark McMahon are taking a squad of 23 fighters from the Bushi-Kai to this prestigious European event.

WKF World Championships, Morocco, Nov 12th- 16th:  The Welsh Bushi-Kai are proud to have  two of its members, Jordan Harris and Anthony Bridge, selected to represent Wales at this championships which is being held in the Moroccan Capitol, Rabat.

Good Luck to all of our fighters taking part in these Championships

Assoc. Course and Grading Sunday 15th Nov:  Main Hall, Afan Lido 10.00am – 1.30pm
Will Club Instructors please submit all paperwork to Liz by Thursday 12th Nov.

Brown Belt Course and Grading Sunday 22nd Nov: Dance Studio, Afan Lido 10.00am – 1.00pm
All paperwork to be submitted to Liz by Friday 20th Nov.

Up-to date licences are mandatory to Grade.

Dan Grading Registration:
Can all Club Instructors with students attempting their Dan Grade on March 14th 2010 please register them with Liz by Friday October 23rd 2009. – Contact Liz if you require ‘Dan Grade Packs’.

Yesterday the Welsh Bushi-Kai Squad attended the W.K.G.B Open event in Cardiff. Our fighters performed to the high standard that we have come to expect, and came away with 3 Gold, 7 Silver and 5  Bronze medals.
Gold Medal: Amy Nicholas, Jordan Harris and Dai Godfrey.
Sliver Medal: Morgan Phillips, Sam Waters, Bethany Southall, Tom O’Leary, Kelsy Jenkins, Under 14 Team and Senior Team(B)
Bronze Medal: James O’Leary, Nic Hole, Rebecca Hole, U12 Team and Senior Team (A).