Members of our Basingstoke Martial Arts club made the trip to Dundee on the Banks of the River Tay in Scotland for the World Union of Karate-Do Federations biennial World Championships. This event is always a highlight in the calendar, with over 2600 competitors from 74 different federations taking part, this year was no different.
Competitors, officials and coaches came from Countries diverse as Argentina, Brazil, Nigeria, Egypt, Switzerland all adding a truly international feel to the event.
The young team from Shin Gi Tai comprised Olly Thakur (9), Niall Waite (9), Leo White (12), Lex-Jay Adams (12) and team captain Zane Sewell (15) ably supported by their parents and other supporters. The team started with the team kata category (Kata is a set of Karate
techniques put into a defined sequence that must be followed and it judged based upon a number of criteria) with Niall, Olly and Leo, after many months of hard training and effort, put in a very credible performance over two rounds finishing in 6th place, which in their first world championships was a pleasing result. This shows good promise for the future.
In individual Kata categories, Zane, Olly, Leo and Lex-Jay performed good Katas, sadly not quite good enough to progress through to the second round and last 18 competitors this time. Niall exceeded expectations and did make the second round performing two very strong and creditable Kata to finish in the top 8.
The following day the fighting started with Lex-Jay, Niall and Leo being first up in the teams event. All three boys fought well winning some good fights to progress through to the quarter finals of their event losing to the eventual winners, undoubtedly disappointed they fought well and were warmed up for their individual events which followed.
Olly and Leo went out in the first round of their category. Zane had a tough fight in his category, requiring medical attention after being kicked with a very strong kick, he ended up losing a nail biting match against the eventual winner of the category. Niall won through two matches, scoring with some exciting kicks and punches against his opponents.
Lex-Jay turned out to be a real dark horse, coming onto the mats as an outsider, he confidently beat his first opponent. He progressed through, winning matches with a myriad of skilful techniques, for more than one opponent, this proved too much. Lex-Jay fought his heart out losing to the winner in the semi finals. Lex-Jay fought his way through to a third place position and Bronze medal. This was our only medal at this competition and was thoroughly deserved by Lex-Jay.