A Successful Start For Ken-Bu-Kan's 2014 Season!!!

Post date: Mar 10, 2014 12:36:14 AM

Nine of Ken-Bu-Kan's Elite Athletes travelled to Sheffield for the first competition of 2014, the EKF National Championships.  Once again, the squad had trained extremely hard for this event over the December period and early January and the hard work paid off once again.

First up were the teams with Brandon Wilkins and Romahn Flemmings in the Male 12-13 years.  The team stormed their way into the final, but this time the team went one further than last year, conquering their opponents in the final to win yet another English Team title.  Both Brandon and Romahn were on fire throughout the rounds and deserved the Gold medal.  Next the Female cadet team of Nikkisha Bailey and Danielle Kirby, who were up to this point, undefeated in all team events in England since January 2012.   However, the girls saw their first defeat in Sheffield, losing in the final and had to settle for the Silver medal.

Finally, Jack Ward and Charlie Coulson were in action in the Male 10-11 years and Male Cadet teams. Both boys fought well coming away with a Bronze medal to start off their day.

Teams over 1 Gold, 2 Silvers and 2 Bronzes bagged already…

Individuals next and Female Cadets Nikkisha and Danielle took to the mats first.  Was it to be yet another all KBK final for the girls?   Yes it was, but again the decision rested with the judging panel and again Nikkisha winning the vote for her 7th successive Nationals title and Danielle settled for the Silver again.  If only the girls took Gold in the team as well!

Nya Enver was competing in the Peewee section for the first time, but couldn’t get those legs working on this occasion, losing in the opening rounds.  Next the boys with Brandon Wilkins, Romahn Flemmings and Charlie Coulson.  Brandon and Romahn couldn’t deliver their unbeaten performances from their team Gold, both losing in Round 1, but Charlie picked up another Bronze in his event.

Onto the Seniors, with the return of the “Littles”.  Firstly, Michelle Little was back in winning mode, disposing of her 3 opponents to win her first Gold medal and Nationals title after a 5 year absence.  Next was Alex Little, who followed suit with his own Gold and National title after a 6 year absence.  Amazing results and a big return for the “Littles”!!

Finally, Jack Ward the defending English Champion had the largest section of the day with a potential 6 rounds!!!  Jack started in good form winning 4 rounds in his pool to reach the semi-finals, whilst his potential finalist from the other pool, spent hours relaxing and preparing for the final.  Jack won the semi-final with ease but ran out of steam in the final and final bout of the Championships, losing 6-1. Jack picked up the Silver medal this time but an amazing result considering that it was Jack’s first year in this section.  

Great results to kick off 2014, with 4 Golds, 3 Silvers and 3 Bronze medals!!!