leeds shotokan karate / KUGB Leeds / Sensei Randy Williams

Leeds Shotokan Karate
“There is no first attack in Karate” Gichin Funakoshi.

There is more to Karate than physical techniques, at its foundation
is a tradition of spiritual and physical development and as Master Funakoshi,
the founder of Shotokan Karate said “the ultimate aim of karate lies
not in victory or defeat , but in the perfection of the character of its participation.”
Karate training builds self discipline, suppleness, co-ordination, speed of reaction,
overall fitness, stamina, and a sense of inner calm. It is also highly enjoyable!

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CONFIRMED DATE FOR THE DIARY - 15th July 2012 - Roundhegians Dojo

Northern Region Kumite Training Course & Regional Squad Selection

11.00 - 12.30 - Kumite Techique Development - 8th Kyu Upwards

13.00 - 15.00 - Kumite Practice & Squad Selection - Optional Attendance - 6th Kyu Upwards 10+ Years

Both sessions will be conducted by Sensei Jimmy Brennan (7th Dan) & Sensei John Bruce (4th Dan, KUGB England Captain). Students can attend both sessions or focus solely on the initial Kumite Technique Development session.

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KATA OF THE WEEK

Jitte (w/c 21st May 2012) - Please see "Recent Kata" for a YouTube demonstration

Hangetsu (w/c 7th May 2012) - Please see "Recent Kata" for a YouTube demonstration

Sochin (w/c 16th April 2012) - Please see "Recent Kata" for a YouTube demonstration

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KUGB 46TH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - 5th May 2012 - Birmingham Indoor Arena

The LSKC took 16 competitors to this prestigious event at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham. The eliminations began quite disappointingly with some early exits from potential medalists. However, this was readily rectified with some outstanding performances from our competitors.
In the Boys 10 to 11 Years Kumite, 3 of our 4 entries lost in the early rounds leaving only Nathan Brady. Nathan started nervously but grew with confidence as he progressed through the rounds to reach the evenings finals where he despatched his opponent comfortably with two well-timed Gyaku-zukis. Nathan Brady, national champion!

Jacob Backhouse, at only 13 years old and competing in a very strong Under 16 Boys 5’5” category, fought bravely, winning several bouts to reach the final. In the final, Jacob came up against a far more experienced competitor, losing narrowly to pick up a hard won silver medal.

In the Boys Under 16 Over 5’5” category, Ethan Armstrong, although a strong favourite to win this event, started quickly by anyone’s standards. In his first round match, Ethan caught his opponent cold with a Kizamizuki within a couple of seconds to score Ippon. After a slight scare in his semi final, Ethan reached the final, winning in style to secure his first national championship.

Sensei Backhouse with Nathan Brady, Ethan Armstrong & Jacob Backhouse

The senior competitors produced varying amounts of success. Harry Cuddy and Mathew Humphries came close to medalling, narrowly losing their quarter finals. The Mens Senior Team also fell at the quarter final stage after winning the first two rounds comfortably. However, this was soon forgotten when the finals for the Mens Senior Kumite took place. Ryan Tucker, seeded after last year’s performance, reached the finals, overcoming a particularly awkward fighter in the quarter final. In the semi, Ryan came up against the current Shotokan Cup Champion. Having already lost to this opponent in this year’s first Grand Slam, it looked like a tough draw. However, Ryan scored four Wasari to nil to go through. The final was a close affair with Ryan always looking in control, coming through to win and become the clubs first Mens Senior National Champion since Sensei Williams back in 1995.

Ryan Tucker, KUGB Senior National Champion 2012

Congratulations to all who competed at this year’s championships and to Sensei Backhouse who returned with three new national champions to add to our ever growing list of champions. A special thanks to Steve Cuddy and Martin Tucker for their efforts through the day in assisting Sensei with the coaching.

Some of the Competitors