Success For Ken-Bu-Kan At The Belgium Open Championships!
Post date: Dec 04, 2013 10:15:37 AM
Current English Champion Jack Ward, aged 10 years old travelled to Leuven, Belgium to compete in the 8th Belgium Open International Karate Championships. The Belgium Open is one of the premier events on the European circuit and this year’s event had over 450 athletes from 15 countries. Although Jack took a World title and Bronze medal in the recent World Championships, it was Jack’s first time competing abroad away from his family.
Jack started well winning his first 3 bouts against Belgium, Holland and Denmark scoring 13 points and only conceding 1. In the semi-final, Jack fought a fellow athlete from England and the nerves finally got to Jack as he lost 0-4. Jack returned to fight for the Bronze medal against Denmark, fully composed and showed no signs of nerves and he convincingly won 9-0 in just under 27 seconds. An incredible achievement for Jack, who has been competing for just under two years and is now a Belgium Open medallist.
Back from a disappointing show at the World Championships, Current English Champion Joe Kellaway was back in action but this time with his club and association coach in his corner, Sensei Andy!!! Joe was in excellent form winning his first four bouts and then beating the current World no. 2 from Denmark in the final 3-0 to be crowned Belgium Open Champion for the second time in his competitive career. Another remarkable achievement for Joe and his club!
Danielle Kirby, Charlie Coulson and Brandon Wilkins also competed but suffered first round exits on this occasion.
A fantastic fun trip away, great experience for the squad and well done to the medallists!