The KBK Squad Run Riot At The UK International Open!!!

Post date: Mar 12, 2014 12:22:52 AM

Almost a full squad participated at the UK International Open Championships as they begin their challenging seven weeks of intense competitions, and what a positive and successful start they made to it, walking away with 10 Gold medals and 17 medals in total.

First up were the Peewees and Nya Enver, aged 8 was in action.  Nya didn’t look herself and surprisingly Nya bowed in the first round.  Next on the mats were Jack Ward and Brandon Wilkins.  Jack was once again in the biggest category and would need to win 5 rounds for the Gold medal.  Jack delivered once again and reached the final for a potential mouth-watering encounter against an opponent of equal stature and one whom has also been dominating the circuit in his categories over the past 12 months.  Surprisingly, the two have never met before but Jack was mature in his approach as he disposed of his opponent to win his 10th career title and the first Gold of the day for his Club and Association.  

Jack Ward (above) celebrating his 10th career title

Brandon Wilkins was also in equal winning form as he battled through the rounds and faced another great opponent from the South. Brandon’s counter attacking moves were spot on as Brandon took our second Gold medal.

Nikkisha Bailey and Danielle Kirby were back in action in the heavy weight Cadet category and once again, it was an all KBK affair in the final, the 7th in 2 years.  In was a tense bout between the two club members and Nikkisha was the victor taking the Gold medal and her 27th Career title and Danielle settled for the Silver.  This lose didn’t stop Danielle as she convincingly won the Open weight section and then stepped up into the Junior event, to take Double Gold and was the other member of the team who won 3 individual medals!!!!

Danielle Kirby (Left above) with Nikkisha Bailey (Right) with their Silver and Gold medals.

Romahn Flemmings was in action losing out in the semi-finals to take Bronze, whilst Charlie Coulson reached two finals but walked away with Silver medals in both.  Michelle Little met her double from Wales in the quarter finals of the senior female event, but with a high scoring bout which went against Michelle, the current National Champion settle for no medals on this occasion.  Finally, Joe Kellaway, England’s current number 1 Male Junior athlete was in awesome form, easily dispatching his opponents in the Junior Open event to win his first Gold and then stepped up in the senior male event and claimed a second Gold beating two former England National Team members along the way. 

Joe Kellaway (2nd from Right) after winning both Junior and Senior Male events.

Individuals over and with 7 Golds, 4 Silvers and 1 Bronze medals so far, could it get any better?

So, next were the teams and all KBK members were in action, joining forces under the WIKF banner. Firstly, Jack Ward helped his team take Bronze medal in the Male 10-11 years, whilst Joe Kellaway and Charlie Coulson took Silver and Gold medals in the Junior Teams.  Danielle Kirby took the anchor position in the 13-15 female team, but they couldn’t beat the home club losing in the final to take Silver medal.

Brandon Wilkins, current English National Team Champion and Charlie Coulson fought tactically in their team event and with Coach Andy Michaelides in their corner and directing strategic instructions, there was no stopping their victory in the final for another team Gold, winning on count back.

Charlie Coulson, Brandon Wilkins and Romahn Flemmings (Left to Right) after their team victory.

Finally, Joe Kellaway again stepped up in the Senior Male event and against some experienced athletes from England and Wales fought.  Once again and against all odds, Coach Andy was decisive with his coaching tactics, team orders and instructions as the team impressively won the final to take the 10th Gold of the day.

Joe Kellaway (3rd from Right) after winning 3 Golds and 1 Silver medal.

9 athletes taking 17 medals from 20 events is an amazing statistic and confirms our club’s status as the number one single club in all English Karate!! 

Great performances from athletes, amazing supporters and excellent help from the KBK Assistant Coaches of the day and the outcome is there for all to see.  Once again, a very proud and happy KBK Instructor and Head Coach, Sensei Andy Michaelides.