WJKA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - HOLLAND 2010
Travelling party: Sensei Mick Dewey/Terry Oliver/Alan Lewis/Chris Carr/Steve Hollister/Stacey Crowe/Matt Powell/Lee Wilkinson/Shaun Eglinton / Jason Hollister/George Oliver/Mike Grimwood/Sam Weaver/Rebecca Cox/Emily Nutbean/Rebecca Nutbean/Elliott Smith/Brian Smith/Andy & Julie Nutbean.
The Shotokan of England Karate Union squad, led by Sensei Mick Dewey and Terry Oliver, made an early start on the 1st July to travel to Deventer, Netherlands via road and ferry to compete in the WJKA European championships. (Much earlier for the south west contingent).
Arriving in Deventer, the group took a short walk into the beautiful town square for dinner and a general look around what will be our home for the next couple of days.
Day 2 - The weather generally throughout the trip was excellent with temperatures touching 38 degrees. Another reason to take on plenty of liquid refreshment.
The party visited the historic town of Arnhem in the morning. First the famous Pegasus bridge, and then the military cemetery at Oosterbeek. This proved to be an emotional and moving part of the day and one few in the group not forget for a while. The afternoon also turned out to a momentous occasion for another reason. The squad became part of the orange hordes that took over the town square for the Holland v Brazil world cup match. With Holland emerging as the winners, the celebrations were fantastic with the large fountain being the focal point. Some could not resist the temptation.
Team registration, referees/coaches briefing at the Tournament venue at Eerbeek was attended in the evening as was acquaintances with Sensei Jan Knobel and his colleagues of the WJKA.
Day 3 - Sensei's Terry Oliver, Alan Lewis and Chris Carr officiated at the WJKA Kohai championship. The squad also attended the venue to familiarise themselves with the surroundings of what would be the location of many successes on the day to come.
In the afternoon the squad had a light training/stretching session in the local park. The weather as previously mentioned was glorious and therefore 'outside' training was the ideal preparation.
Day 4 - (Sensei Merv O'Donnell and Sue O'Donnell visited from their home elsewhere in Holland to support the Squad).
The running order for the day was to be Juniors AM-seniors PM. Elliott Smith (Lovedean) and Rebecca & Emily Nutbean (Saltash) representing SEKU in this section.
In the 14-15 female kata category Rebecca and Emily faired exceptionally well to come 2nd and 3rd respectively. Elliott Smith did well on this his first event at this level and I'm sure will feature and similar events in the future.
In the kumite event Emily reached the finals where she emerged victorious against her Dutch opponent. (SEKU 1st European Champion)
In the veteran kata event Steve Hollister gave a demonstration of Unsu that his fellow competitors will have to work hard to aspire too. Mr Hollister was in a class of his own to take 1st place and SEKU's 2nd European Champion.
George Oliver (Porstmouth), Sam Weaver (Lovedean) and Mike Grimwood (Saltash) represented SEKU in the cadet kata event each excelling in the elimination rounds, which were judges initially on heian kata and then brown belt kata. Sam was unlucky not to proceed through to the final with Mike and George.
In the final George performed Kanku-sho and Mike, a great Gankaku. The result:-Mike 1st (SEKU's 3rd European champion) and George 2nd (European silver medallist).
Senior men's kata saw Captain Matt Powell take bronze in the final after being edged out by two good kata performances by Belgian and Dutch opponents. Jason Hollister was unlucky not to make the finals with solid performances in the eliminations.
Rebecca Cox's first European event also proved fruitful with a 3rd place bronze medal for 'empi' in the kata and a silver medal in the kumite. This is a superb effort after a lay off from karate and only recently coming back to squad training.
The male cadet kumite event has become an event that identifies future senior champions and potentially SEKU has 3 stars of the future in Mike Grimwood, Sam Weaver and George Oliver. The elimination bouts were hotly contested and unfortunately Mike went out before the finals. The notable technique in these stages was a lightning front foot mawashi geri from George for an Ippon. Through to the finals were Sam, competing for 3rd/4th place and George, competing for 1st/2nd. Sam's match was very close and while his opponent from Azerbaijan seemed to loose his concentration Sam secured the match with superb timing.
George faced a Belgian opponent in the final and another tight match with the decision given to the Belgian. (George- European silver medallist/Sam- European bronze medallist).
Men's Senior Individual kumite event saw Saltash's Lee Wilkinson in the finals after a blistering display in the elimination rounds. It would be fair to say that Lee was pretty much unstoppable on the day dispatching opponents with a comprehensive battery of techniques. The lions share of ippon scores went to Lee and I am certain that the other competitors will not underestimate this man's ability in future events. It should be mentioned that the leg catch and gyaku tsuki combination in the team final was voted technique of the day by the squad. Suffice to say, Lee defeated his Italian opponent in the final to become the senior European Kumite champion. (SEKU 4th European title).
Team kumite event-This could potentially have been a real Italian job with Italy 1 & 2 in the finals with SEKU but it came down to SEKU (England) v. Italy 1.
First man out, Captain Matt Powell. This bout was full of clashes with Matt securing the first point with a sharp kizami tsuki only to be equalled shortly after. waza ari - waza ari
Second bout. Lee Wilkinson. I think the Italians had had enough of Lee by the end of this day as in total he had beaten 5 of them! As previously mentioned, the technique of the day scored an ippon after already having scored a wazari. waza ari - waza ari & ippon.
The third man, Shaun Eglinton had the pressurised task of sealing the match. Again, this was a match full of clashes but this time the decision went to Italy. The match was effectively drawn but the ippon score meant that the title of Men's European team champions went the England/SEKU. (SEKU 5th European title).
To summarise: This event, trip has had many facets and each person will take away their own memories- Arnhem, military cemetery, the welcoming and great Dutch people, great weather, football celebrations, training in the park, socialising (Al Lewis on the spoons), competition success.
To underline all of this: another great occasion for the Shotokan of England Karate Union.
Terry Oliver 5th Dan
Shotokan of England Team squad Manager
SEKU NATIONALS 22-5-2010
Photography by John Snowden - all prints available at www.snowdenphotography.co.uk
The SEKU National Championships 2010 was, once again, a celebration of high standard Karate performed with the true spirit of Karate-Do.
There were many highlights during the day and the evening finals were of the highest order. Like last year, the sponsorship has brought a professional feel to the day, with excellent trophies awarded to all finalists. Thanks must go to this years sponsors: N.J.S Brickwork & Scaffolding and Viviers (UK) LTD, Fish and Shellfish Merchants.
Joe Crowe was the star of the juniors this year, winning the over 5 foot kumite and junior kata events. Joe was also awarded the junior fighting spirit trophy. Elliott Smith also took two titles winning the under 5 foot kumite and sanbon kumite. There were many other juniors showing great promise as well, and it would be good to see them all at SEKU squad training soon. Of great inspiration to some clubs not in attendance, there were noticeable performances from some of the less well known and newer SEKU dojo, Plymouth Woodview, Crookhorn and the newly invigorated Petersfield club's to name a few, showed their class winning numerous trophies.
Before the evening finals, Sensei Matt Powell (Petersfield) performed a spirited and real kumite demonstration with one of his students Michael Smallpage. The idea of this dynamic performance was to show defensive and offensive kumite from a sitting position, which triggered memories of some of the great SEKU demo's by our senior Sensei. Michael will certainly think twice about attacking Matt again after being comprehensively overwhelmed by numerous expansive and impressive techniques!
The senior female events were dominated by Emma Williams and Stephanie Cass from Portsmouth, winning Gold and Silver respectively in both kata and kumite. Emma's experience shone through in both events and her performance of Chinte was a clear margin ahead of the other finalists. The Men's Kata winner this year was Shaun Eglinton (Plymouth Karate-Do), regaining the kata title he'd won three times previously. It was, as ever, a technical and spirited performance of Unsu that took the title, and with it the SEKU technical excellence trophy. Dave Galloway, Mike Grimwood and Matt Powell were the other kata finalists, all of them showing a marked improvement.
The Men's team kumite was again dominated by the strong Portsmouth Team (Dave Galloway, Graham Rowley and Captain, Keith Williams), but they were pushed all the way by Plymouth Karate-Do winning on count back after the final match was drawn.
The last special mention must go to SEKU Squad captain Dave Galloway. The 2010 championships saw Dave's fifth straight back-to-back individual black belt kumite title! To gain this consistency at any time is impressive, but to win during a time when some of SEKU's finest ever kumite exponents have been at their peak accentuates the achievement. In the final, Dave fought returning SEKU squad member Danny Walton, who fought superbly all day, but Dave was too sharp in an intriguing and close final fight.
After such a successful event, it seems right to remind everyone of the high standard SEKU Squad and the opportunities gained whilst training with the squad. The squad has had success at national and world level tournaments recently, and you all have the chance to train with the squad. The next open squad session is Saturday 12th June. For information about the squad, please contact SEKU Squad Team Manager Terry Oliver on 07855 245416 or email on terryoliver4@msn.com
Thanks to all organisers, referees, judges, timekeepers, helpers and spectators and well done to everyone who competed.
SHOBU IPPON -GUILDFORD-8/5/2010
Once again event, a multitude of very high level competitors attended the spectrum sports centre in Guildford to vie for honours. The event is always well supported by various traditional groups, not least being SEKU, and is generally a 'must do' event in most diaries. SEKU officials attending the event included Sensei's Brian Smith, Terry Oliver (Team Squad Manager), Alan Lewis, Paul Moreby, Craig Foley and Chris Carr. Steve Hollister (Kumite coach) and Stacey Crowe (Kata coach) ensured all squad members were prepared and focused on the job at hand. Chief instructor Sensei Mick Dewey was around all areas which always gives everyone a boost and encourages everyone to do their best.
There were some superb performances on the day from many of the usual suspects as well some recent new squad members. Ben Mayer is maturing well into a consistent medallist in the senior events with a bronze in the individual men's kumite and gold & bronze in the 3 and 5 men teams respectively. Ben scored with a spectacular array of techniques not least a number cracking jodan mawashi geris producing ippon from the officials.
Emily Nutbeam triumphed in the girls individual kumite against fairly partisan behaviour from her opponents supporters. The noise emanating from this area was indicative of the hotly contested bouts in this event which make this success for Emily one to relish.
Shaun Eglinton demonstrated yet again his dedication and professionalism gaining a silver medal in the senior men's kata (Unsu) and defeating team mate Graham Rowley in the veteran's kumite final to take the gold medal. This was the second final of the day that involved 2 squad members. George Oliver and Mike Grimwood showed that they are undoubtedly stars of the future with a superb repertoire of techniques during the elimination bouts. Matches between team mates are usually cagey affairs but this was an exiting match in which George ultimately triumphed.
As always, the team matches are the premier events of the day. One of the 5 man matches was decided by 5 ippons as a result of the skill and determination of the karateka involved. The SEKU teams (3 man-Dave Galloway, Matt Powell, Ben Mayher) and (5 man-DG,MP,BM, Matt Smith and Graham Rowley) achieved gold and bronze respectively.
Many thanks to all involved to make this another good day for SEKU. Squad members, officials, coaches, parents, and club instructors all play a part of the success that the squad achieve at such events. The successes are a reflection on the hard work given freely by all and a benefit to SEKU as a whole. I continue to encourage all club instructors to become involved.
Well done to all.
Terry Oliver 5th Dan
Shotokan of England Squad Team Manager
Honours:
Ben Mayher-3rd Senior Men Kumite
Emily Nutbeam-1st Girls individual kumite
George Oliver-1stCadet Individual kumite
Mike Grimwood-2nd Cadet Individual kumite
Shaun Eglinton-1st Veteran individual kumite
-2nd Senior Men Individual Kata
Graham Rowley-2nd Veteran Individual kumite
Matt Powell-Senior Men kata finalist
3 men team-Gold (DG, MP, BM)
5 men team-Bronze (DG, MP, BM, MS, GR)
Gasshuku 2010 - 17/04/10
The 17th & 18th April 2010 saw Sensei Dewey's weekend Gasshuku in aid of the Damon Health Angel Fund and it was a resounding success.
Karateka from all over the south of England travelled to be part of this special training weekend, which brought back great memories of the old SEKU Gasshuku's. In keeping with the Gasshuku theme, (Gasshuku meaning "Lodging Together") many of the Karateka stayed at Littlesea Caravan Park and made the short trip to the dojo each day at Budmouth Sports Centre. The idea of Gasshuku is not only to lodge together, but to train through tough times and gather in mutual development of Karate-Do. This was certainly achieved by all.
Everyone left tired and aching, but all unanimously agreed that they would very much like this to become a regular annual event. The Karateka who completed this course felt lucky to have been part of it. Great instruction, training, inspiration, camaraderie and spirit, all for an excellence cause.
Thanks must be given to Hannah Day for managing the course arrangements and to Matt Powell for finding the excellent training venue.
And thanks to Sensei Dewey for an outstanding training weekend, Osu!
Paul Uren- 4th Dan Plymouth
for more pictures visit our facebook page or image gallary
LEGENDS COMPETITION - 13/03/10
All the closed season competition work at squad training sessions seemed to have paid off when the SEKU squad attended the Legends tournament on last weekend (13/3/2010).
The are some new members in the group including young Elliot Smith (Lovedean KC), Ben Hobbs and the Nutbeam twins, Emily and Rebecca (Saltash KC). Along with some more experienced competitors such as Becky Cox and Matt Smith.
The event is always well attended and this year was no different. The day saw a multitude of exceptional performances from many of the attendant associations and countries.
Some outstanding performances were not only displayed by our competition. Notable mentions are warranted for Matt Smith who is practically the complete shotokan competitor with sweep, kicks and strikes from all angles. Some would say "the kitchen sink approach"!
With the absence of Dave Galloway Matt Powell was made Captain for the day, Matt led from the front and was an inspiration to all. The day saw Matt receive the male overall competitor award as well as male individual kumite and several others.
Young Joe Crowe took some bumps and bruises to get a silver medal in the junior individual kumite against much larger opponents.
And finally, I single out Mr Steve "the Axe" Axelsen for special attention. Steve is a regular at senior squad sessions and has worked tirelessly for a long time with; it has to be said, little success. Well, this weekend saw the reward for such effort. Beating seasoned internationals and picking up several awards Steve is the toast of SEKU and the squad. For anyone who wants an example of what you can achieve with single-mindedness and hard work ask Steve on the next course or training session. Or pair up with him for a "bit of light sparring"!
I would also like to take the opportunity on behalf of the squad coaches and myself to congratulate every squad member and the referees who attended the event in support of the squad for your hard work. We are looking forward to the Shobu's in May for which promises to be a popular event as always.
It was pleasing to see a good number of SEKU supporters at this event cheering on the SEKU team. Sensei's Mick Dewey and Brian Smith were as usual in attendance (Brian was there in support of his son Elliott who was making his first appearance for the team) and even Sensei Meryvn O'Donnell was there with some of his Portchester members.
Results:
Sam Weaver - 3rd Ind. Kata-Gojushihosho
George Oliver - 3rd Ind. Kata-Kanku sho & 3rd Ind. 16-20 Kumite
Joe Crowe - 2nd Ind. Kumite 14-15yrs
Emily Nutbean - 3rd female Ind. Kumite 14-15
Emma Williams - 3rd Ind. Senior female kata-Chinte
Steve Axelsen - 3rd Ind. Senior Ind. Kumite
Shaun Eglinton - 1st Senior Ind. Kata-Unsu
Matt Powell - 1st Senior Ind. Kumite & 3rd Senior Ind. Kata-Gojushihosho
1st Association Team (Matt Powell/Lee Wilkinson/Matt Smith/Steve Axelsen/Shaun Eglinton)
1st 3 man team (Matt Powell/Lee Wilkinson/Matt Smith) SEKU 'A'
3rd Mixed Team (Matt Smith/Becky Cox/Shaun Eglinton) SEKU 'B'
Black & Brown Belt Course
Sixty SEKU members gathered for the Black & Brown Belt Course in Newport IOW Sunday 7th February, many from the mainland and some having traveled the same day from Plymouth. Sensei Mick Dewey opened the training following a short warm up given by SEKU Team Squad Captain Dave Galloway. For the first section of the class Sensei Dewey stressed the importance of things fundamental to our style, Shotokan. Great emphasis was put upon the use of hips during the change from basic blocks to reverse punch and the movement was repeated many times until he was satisfied all understood what was required.
Senior Instructor Mervyn O'Donnell was next, following on from the content of the recent instructor class where the theme was the standardization of all Heian Kata. The Kata were revised again along with some interesting applications. The last part of the day was given over to Senior Instructor Brian Smith who covered the basic stances and gave drill for the Dan Grade examination that was to follow for those candidates who had applied to enter.
Although there were some prominent faces missing it was a very good day and the general feedback from those in attendance has been very positive.
Dan Grade successes on the day were:
|
Name |
Grade Awarded |
Name of Club |
|
Samuel Foster |
Junior Sho-Dan |
Crofton School of Shotokan |
|
Peter Holdsworth |
Sho-Dan |
Eastleigh Karate Club |
|
Richard Cole |
Sho-Dan |
Locksheath Karate Club |
|
Alec Foster |
Sho-Dan |
Eastleigh Karate Club |
|
Luke Nesbitt Ashley Nesbitt |
Sho-Dan Sho-Dan |
Newport Fitness Factory Newport Fitness Factory |
|
Tracey Corby |
San-Dan |
Plymouth Karate-Do |
NB: Stacey Crowe - SEKU Team Squad Kata Coach - was awarded 5th Dan at the Instructor Class Priory Sports Centre Portsmouth
Instructor Class - Priory Sports Centre - 24/01/10
Under the direction of Chief Instructor Mick Dewey, the SEKU Senior instructors Mervyn O'Donnell and Brian Smith, Technical Panel members Alan Lewis and Mark Elliott, along with Stacey Crowe (Squad Kata Coach) Steve Hollister (Squad Kumite Coach) and Terry Oliver (Team Squad Manager) met at the Mountbatten Centre to prepare for the upcoming Instructor Class. The reason was to discuss and agree the homogeny and ratification of the Heian Kata.
Since its inauguration under the leadership of Mick Dewey SEKU has aligned itself to the Japan Karate Association (JKA) initially and up until his sad death under the guidance of Sensei Kenosuki Enoeda and have chosen to continue along this path. Although we have no direct connection to it, we continue to use the JKA for reference.
SEKU Clubs Instructors and their assistants attended the first Instructor class of 2010. The individual attendance was good although some instructors were unable to make it through personal reasons and others chose not to.
The theme throughout the class was to pass on the findings and agreements of the previous meeting at the Mountbatten Centre - the ratification and standardization of Shotokan Heian Kata. The class proved to be very interesting and four hours of intense study and practice followed. Sensie Mick Dewey led the class with each Kata movement demonstrated by the SEKU Team Squad Kata Coach Stacey Crowe. Each Kata movement was broken down, meticulously explained and studied until class members were sure of and fully understood how the teachers wanted it performed and taught to their members. It is planned that future classes will revisit the Heian and that further study be directed toward the Brown belt kata. In time the more advanced Kata will also be covered in the same manner. At the conclusion of the class Sensei Mick Dewey thanked Stacey Crowe for his demonstration and explanation of the kata movements.
Unbeknown to Stacey who was under close scrutiny from the Senior Instructors and his performance during the class was adding up to his promotion in rank. Finally, for his contribution to SEKU over the years and his continuous study of karate, Sensei Mick Dewey awarded him his 5th Dan.
The award was well overdue and proved to be hugely popular - a standing ovation was given by all those present.
