National Competition – June 2024

On Saturday 15th June, Stevenage Karate Club sent a group of students to take part in the JKA England National Championships at the K2 in Crawley. The annual competition is an opportunity for students to test themselves against students from different clubs within the association who are a similar grade and age to them. Competitors typically compete in 2 categories: Kata and Kumite.

2024 saw over 400 competitors take part in addition to hundreds of spectators. Even taking part in an event of this size is a great achievement and requires a high level of bravery. We were delighted, therefore, to send 7 students along to compete. Well done to David, Dixon, Echo, Ethan,Luca, Victoria and Vihaan for taking part. 

All of the students should be extremely proud for how well they represented themselves and the club throughout the day. For some, it was their first time competing and we would like to celebrate their bravery for giving it a go and stepping into the unknown. 

Results

Competitions are not all about results and, as we have said, taking part is a result in itself. However, we would also like to celebrate the achievements of our students including a medal!

First time competing: Echo, David and Victoria!

3rd place (Kumite): Dixon!

Ethan also did extremely well – getting through several rounds and only being a split-decision away from making it to the final in both Kumite and Kata. Congratulations as well to Luca and Vihaan for a strong showing in a hard Green-Purple/White category.

A final thank you we would like to give is to the parents and relatives who took time out of their weekends to take the students down to Crawley. Thank you for your support!

Please have a look at a selection of photos from the day below kindly provided by parents.

Sounds interesting? Want to give it a go yourself? The Central and Northern Regional Competition is coming up on the 29th September. Look out for more details coming soon!