Impressive Results At The Nationals For Ken-Bu-Kan’s Elite Juniors

Post date: Feb 08, 2013 5:7:24 AM

Six of Ken-Bu-Kan's Elite Juniors travelled to Sheffield for the first competition of 2013, the EKF National Championships.  Although, it was the first event of the year which is always tough, the squad had been training extremely hard for this event over the December, Christmas and early January period.  The hard work paid off as the only struggle at this competition was the car journey home in the snow!!!!!

First up were the teams with Dan Farrelly, Brandon Wilkins and Miles Keates from Suhari in the Male 12-13 years.  The team stormed their way into the final but lost at the final hurdle to settle for Silver. 

Next the Female cadet team of Nikkisha Bailey and Danielle Kirby, who were attempting to defend this title for the third successive time.   Their opponents were not prepared and disqualified for not having the correct equipment.  Finally, Jack Ward was in action in the Boys under 10 years.  Jack fought impressively, winning both his first bout 3-0 and then 8-0.  Unfortunately, the other members of the team lost in the quarter-finals, so Jack walked away with no medal but did have all all the confidence from his wins.

Individuals next and Jack Ward was back on the mat.  Jack was in a league of his own getting through 5 rounds in a truly incredible manner scoring an impressive 31 points and giving away none to win his first EKF National title and is now officially England’s best under 10 years old.

Jack finished the competition with an impressive 42-0 score line with most bouts ending in under one min.  An incredible Champion and one to look for in the future!!

Next, Dan Farrelly took the stage winning some tight bouts with strong opponents in the 12-13 heavy weight division.  Dan was equally impressive with his mature approach to each bout taking opponents down on numerous occasions.  Dan came through his final winning 2-0 to also win his first EKF National title and is now officially England’s best 12-13 year old.

Brandon Wilkins and Charlie Coulson who were both competing for the first time in their new category did well but were unable to get past the first round.  They should however improve quickly as time goes on and when they get used to the new division.

Finally, both Nikkisha Bailey and Danielle Kirby were in action in the Female Cadet heavy weight division.  For the last 2 Nationals, the girls met each other in the finals, with Nikkisha winning on both occasions.  So history was well on their side.  Both girls got through to the final again with some impressive 9-0 and 8-0 victories for Nikkisha.  The final was the closest yet and with no coaching for either athlete, the girls had to think for themselves. 

Final score was 2-2 so decision went on flags, which Nikkisha won 3-2 to take her 6th successive Nationals title.  A great result for Nikkisha, but a better result for the squad taking the Gold and Silver once again.

The squad then had the long and dangerous drive home in the cold snow, but the victories somehow eased the trip and made it much warmer and soothing!!