South Notts Shotokan Karate Club
National Championships
The 43rd KUGB National Championships took place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on Sunday 17th of May. The event attracts hundreds of karate-ka from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to compete in the twenty various events for adults, juniors and children. The club was represented by Becky Cassapi in the junior female events and by Teddie Henderson in the junior male. Both competitors were enthusiastically supported by a large cohort of club members and parents.
The draw wasn’t particularly kind to either fighter but both of them acquitted themselves very well indeed. Becky faced an experienced black belt and junior squad member. As always Becky moved very well and took the fight to her opponent by suddenly dashing in to deliver two consecutive face punches. The combination was very well timed but Becky’s opponent was able to land a counter punch to the face which scored a half point. For the remainder of the encounter Becky pressed hard in a bid to find the right moment to strike. In the next exchange of blows Becky’s punch was judged to have landed second, and the fight was lost. In the junior male sparring event Teddie had to get to grips with a heavier and very agile opponent. Teddie was the first to launch an attack, his ‘signature’ technique, a reverse roundhouse kick to the side of the head. This manoeuvre has caught many people out in training and but for an inch or two would have landed cleanly and won the fight outright. As it was, the kick fell slightly short and created an opportunity for his opponent to counter attack which he duly did scoring a half point. When the fight restarted Teddie kept things simple and concentrated on his body punching. There were several close exchanges where neither fighter was able to deliver a clean blow, and then, in circumstances very similar to Becky’s fight, there was an exchange of blows where Teddie was just beaten to the punch.
Becky and Teddie have gained valuable experience from this event which will be of great benefit to them when they compete again at the National Youth Championships next month.
Children (min 8yrs), young people and adults who wish to learn karate may contact the club secretary on 07811 819221.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 