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!
Welcome to Leeds Shotokan Karate Club
Please feel free to browse our website. Leeds Shotokan Karate Club is a member of the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), the largest Shotokan Karate organisation in Great Britain.
Beginner's Two Week Taster Course
Includes 4 lessons for £20.00. All levels of ability welcome - we have White Belts through to KUGB Squad Members at our club. For more information, contact Steve Cuddy on 0777 4980097.
Club Closures - May 2013
Please note that there will be no training on Monday 20 May, Wednesday 23 May and Monday 27 May 2013.
Liverpool Youth Championships - 1 June 2013
To be held at Firefit Community Centre, Upper Warwick Street, Toxteth, Liverpool on Saturday 1st June 2013 with eliminations starting at 11.00 am. If you are interested in participating at this competition then please see Sensei Backhouse for further information.
Training Session at York Elite - 9 June 2013
York Elite are holding a training course on Sunday 9 June 2013 with Sensei Frank Brennan, 7th Dan KUGB, and have kindly extended an invitation to LSKC members to attend the training session. Further details will follow but this is an opportunity not to be missed. Put the date in your diaries!
Club Social Evening - 22 June 2013
At Hollywood Bowl on Saturday 22 June from 7.30 pm onwards. A chance to say farewell to Peter and wish him and his family well as they leave to start a new life in Qatar. Six lanes have been reserved and places will be given on a first come first served basis. Two games and shoe hire £5.00 per member. See Mark Cuddy for further detaills.
4th Sunderland Karate Championship - 23 June 2013
The above competition at City Space in Sunderland is aimed at encouraging KUGB members to compete and gain experience and confidence. There are events for both children and adults and the competition will be open to all levels.
In addition, the competition sponsors are asking for help from any members or parents who would be willing to help as referees and timekeepers/recorders. Timekeepers/recorders will not be required to have any previous experience or training as all information and help will be available on the day. Referees need to be either qualified or experienced black belts.
If you are interested in competing or helping out then please see either Sensei Backhouse, Sensei Cuddy or Mark Cuddy for further information.
Next Club Grading
Further information on dates, times and venue to follow shortly.
Report on KUGB 2013 National Championships
Following last year's success was always going to be a hard task for our small but talented squad. However, with several spirited performances, the club came close to emulating the previous year's three champions.
Our only winner came in the children's Ippon Kumite with Sam Jackson achieving Gold with a unanimous decision in the final. Sam and little brother Louis always show the kind of determination in competition and training that will take both a long way in this sport. Several of our competitors with expectations of medals fell at vaious stages with more than a few of them finding that the luck of the draw doesn't always apply to which opponent you are up against. After an absence of 18 months from the kumite mat, Charlie Cuddy produced the surprise of the day by reaching the quarter finals before succumbing to the eventual winner and probably the largest competitor in any category of the day.
Reigning champion Ryan Tucker once again reached the evening's finals and after a hard fought semi he prevailed to set up a final with a fellow England team mate. The final was always going to be a close affair with both men knowing each other so well, and ended with Ryan picking up Silver after a defeat by a narrow margin.
Highlight for the day came from Jade Stapleton-Smith. Although only 11 years old, Jade's Mr T haircut took him over the 5' mark and he was moved to fight in the under 16 year, under 5'5" category (a tough category for anyone never mind an 11 year old). However, an unfazed Jade took it all in his stride and reached the final, picking up Silver.
Well done to all our students who competed once again to a very high standard, showing great spirit and respect throughout a trying day.
Our three medalists at the Nationals - Ryan, Jade and Sam!
Our Ippon Kumite National Champion - Sam!
Photos courtesy of Mark Cuddy
WSKA World Championships 2013
The KUGB is proud to announce that it will be hosting the 2013 WSKA World Championships at the prestigious Echo Arena, Liverpool on 28-29 September 2013. For more information please visit the KUGB website or the KUGB Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/WskaWorldChampionships2013
For anyone interested in Karate, the Championships offer an exciting opportunity to see, first hand, the high standards that can be achieved in karate through our association. They are an event well worth attending.
LSKC Members in Action...
Harry Cuddy at the Youth Nationals, July 2011