Ken-Bu-Kan ‘Young Guns’ Impress At The TKA Open Championships!!!

Post date: Jul 15, 2012 3:4:14 PM

12 members of the Ken-Bu-Kan Sport Karate team travelled to Clacton in the torrential rain to take part in the Toyakwai Open Championships.  There was an impressive team spirit throughout the day and Sensei Andy was assisted with the coaching by ‘All Stars’ Jay Kirton and Aneesha Pancha, who were excellent mentors for the ‘Young Guns’ on the day.  The squad were impressive winning 5 of their 7 finals.  The squad finished the day with 5 Golds, 2 Silvers and 6 Bronze medals, taking third spot in the medal table.

First up was Zal Sanei competing in the smallest boys section.  Zal fought well and was unlucky to lose his semi-final bout but deserved his Bronze Medal, his first podium finish.

Asa Rogers was next up and was one of three KBK fighters in his category.  Asa convincingly won his first 2 bouts, but lost at quarter-final stage against the current English All Styles Champion.  Although Asa lost the bout, he did well and only lost the bout by 2 points, losing 4-2.

Cillian Rodgers was in two categories losing at the quarter-final stage in his second event but took Bronze medal in his main category losing to the eventual winner.  Cillianwas impressive all day with a 9-0 and an 8-0 score line victory, scoring numerous head kicks along the way.

Jack Ward was the final member and a double medallist impressing everyone with his kicking ability.  Jack had 7 bouts in total, scoring 7 head kicks, including a 9-0, 8-0 and 8-1 score line.  Jack narrowly lost in the semi-final of his second category against some taller fighters to take a Bronze medal, but then also reached the semi-final of his main category and set-up a show case bout against his team mate Cillian Rodgers.   It was a mouth-watering semi as both boys were nervous and anxious about fighting each other for the first time but it was Jack who reached the final scoring yet another head kick.  Jack then finished his impressive day by winning the final to take his first title win and the Gold medal.

Charlie Coulson and Brandon Wilkins were the final boys in action and the under 5’3 section.   Brandon unexpectedly lost in the quarter-final stage whilst Charlie took the Bronze medal.

Next the girls, and first up were sisters Hana and Nina Sanei who completed the ‘Sanei Trilogy’.  Both girls were competing for the very first time and both girls took Silvers medals in their respective finals – watch out Zal!!!! 

Danielle Kirby was in the girls over 5’3 section and impressively scored a head kick in the final to take her Gold medal.

The senior events saw Michael Cox and Aneesha Pancha and Sensei Andy in action.  Firstly Michael was up against a ‘Goliath’ in the first round of his section.  Michael fought well but was undeservedly disqualified for too much contact.  Aneesha was in two categories and took Bronze medal in both.  Finally, Sensei Andy was in action and took Gold medal in his category.

Finally, it was the teams in action, with Aneesha and Danielle in the female teams and Brandon in the male.  Aneesha and Danielle fought well to take team Gold whilst Brandon recovered from his earlier disappointment and was the anchor man in the male team, who also took the Gold medal.

Another successful day for the KBK squad, who seem to continue producing Champions.

Congratulations to all the medallists:

CHAMPIONS: Jack Ward, Sensei Andy, Danielle Kirby, Brandon Wilkins and                             Aneesha Pancha.

SILVER:            Hana Sanei and Nina Sanei

                        BRONZE:           Aneesha Pancha x2, Cillian Gallagher Rodgers, Jack Ward,                                                             Charlie Coulson and Zal Sanei.