WIKF ENGLAND SUCCESS AT BIKO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – 11^TH SEPTEMBER 2005 

Eighteen members of WIKF England, from Ken-Bu-Kan, Su-Ha-Ri and Fudochi travelled to Hertfordshire to compete in the annual BIKO National Open Championships, held on the Sunday 11^th September.  The team were extremely successful in Kata, Kumite and team events coming away with 13 medals in total, 5 Golds, 5 Silvers and 3 Bronzes.  For 11 members of the team, who are part of the WIKF England National Team, this event was their final warm-up competition before travelling to Texas, USA for the WIKF World Championships in September.

The Kata events were first, with Alex Little, Jay Kirton and Sarah McIlwain-Bates, all from Ken-Bu-Kan competing.  All three competitors performed excellently and scored high marks with the judges.  Sarah (2004 European Silver medallist) was unfortunate and missed out on a final position in her category by the smallest of margins.  Alex (2004 European Silver medallist) and Jay (2005 WIKF National Champion) were competing in the same category and scored higher marks than all their competitors.  Jay picked up our first Silver of the day and was runner up to Alex who picked up our first Gold.

The Kumite events were next with the Girls 10-12 years, which saw Michelle Little (Current BIKO and WIKF National Champion) and Jessica Pavey (European Bronze Medallist) in action.  Both girls were in good form, knocking out all opponents and reaching the final together.  The final was a tense bout, but Michelle fought well to beat Jessica 5-0.   Michelle won our second Gold while Jessica took the Silver.  Top two spots for WIKF England and a well defended title for Michelle !!!

Next in action were the Boys 10-12 years.  Unfortunately, Jerome Brown, the 2005 British Champion, pulled out with an injured foot, but Jay Kirton (European Silver Medallist) and Nowras Tharb were still competing.  As with the girls, both boys fought incredibly well reaching the finals.  The final was close with 3-3 score after full time.  Jay scored the vital point in Encho-sen to take the Gold medal, and Nowras settled for the Silver.  Another top twp spots for WIKF England!!! 

On to the Boys and Girls 13-15 years.  Sarah McIlwain-Bates was in action and fought well, but lost to the eventual winner in an early round.  Carl Jackson from Su-Ha-Ri, and James Townsend were competing in these Championships for the first time and fought well, but lost in the early rounds.  Gavin Bailey, the Current European Champion and who has won these Championships two years in succession, was moved up a height category as there went enough competitors to hold his event.  Gavin performed well and was beating his much taller opponent until the last few seconds and lost by 1 point.  Alex Little, who was defending his title, looked in good form again beating his first round opponent 8-0.  His second round opponent, who he beat last year to win the title, was in much better form this year and beat Alex 2-1.   

The Peewee section (9 yeas and under) under 4’2’ category got underway at last, with James Phillips (Current BIKO, WIKF British and Wado-Kai National Champion)  trying to defend his title.  James was in good form throughout the rounds, scoring multiple Sanbon techniques and easily defending his title to win another Gold for the team.  Charlie Rowan, Seja Tharb and Connor Rattray were also in action in the over 4’2’ category and all 3 competitors performed well.  Charlie was unfortunate and lost in the quarter- finals stages, while Seja was beaten in the semi-final in Encho-sen, taking the Bronze medal.  Connor, who was competing for the first time with the squad, fought bravely to reach the finals, but was beaten by his opponent and settled for the Silver medal.    

Onto the seniors events with Isaac Rosen (European Bronze medallist) and David Frith from Su-Ha-Ri both in action.  Isaac fought well but was beaten in the first round, while David got through the semi-final but lost to the eventual winner, picking up the Bronze medal.  Andy Michaelides (Current WIKF Champion) and Ian Thomson (2004 European medallist) from Fudochi, both fought well in their early round, but were beaten by the eventual winners in their respective categories.   

Finally onto the team events, and with two categories cancelled, it meant only 2 out or 4 teams were in action.  First, the Boys 13-15 years with Alex Little, Carl Jackson and Gavin Bailey.  All three competitors fought excellently reaching the final with ease, and eventually beating the final opponents 2 wins to 1.  A well fought team event and another Gold.  Finally, the Senior Mens event, with Ian Thomson, Isaac Rosen and Andy Michaelides.  The team met the eventual winners in the semi-final, and fought well.  Ian put them in front after their first bout.  The second bout was lost, and it was down to the decided, which turned out be a high scoring bout.  Andy fought well staying in front for most of the bout but his opponent took the vital last point on the buzzer, beating him 7-6.  A final Bronze medal for the team.  

A huge congratulation to the team and good luck in the World Championships!!!