The senior squad had a very busy weekend in Sheffield at the AMA International championships. This was one of the biggest competitions many of them had ever been to and they all did really well. Competitor entries for events ranged from 10 to 42, with almost all of the events for the 12-17 age groups having over 30 competitors. Kata events were held on Saturday with lots of the team making the final 6 but no medals this time. A good lesson learnt in what we need to push for. Kumite yesterday included individual sambon and ippon events and teams. The team all fought well, on many occasions our competitors were making the top 8 having won several fights before being beaten in the quarter finals. Well done to all of you who competed for your hard work and great attitude. As always proud to have you representing our club.
Special mention to Katie Dolan for winning a silver in ladies veterans kumite, Emma Baldry and Isabel Bailey for their silver medals in the team event and Edward van Meerkerk and Harry Cronk for their bronze medals in the team event.
Thank you for celebrating your birthday with us Emma Cronk and for supplying the donuts (you know how to make a sensei happy).
Thank you to those of you who kept me freshly supplied with cups of tea and to Zara for letting me steal her chips.
Thank you to my awesome navigator, Jacey, without whom the team would have had no coach. And a final but very large thank you to Mark, Michelle and Katie for helping with the coaching.
On a final note from me, anyone who’s recently heard me saying I’m ready to retire from competitions I’ve come to the conclusion that I was lying. Having to watch and not participate this weekend due to injury was really frustrating! I’ll be back 😉