The WSKF ENGLAND National Karate Championships 2016 on Sunday 13th November 2016 @12.30, in the Spelthorne Leisure Centre, Knowle Green, Staines-Upon-Thames, was a success.
Aminata Atteby (purple belt) who won a gold medal said:
“It took a while to get to Staines, but it was worth it for the medal. I had to check what section I was placed in. At first I just watched others doing their katas; pondering who would win and who would lose. I watched as people were told if they won; high-fiving and fist bumping each other. Then it was my turn.
I lined up with 4 others, bowed and sat, waiting for my time to stand. Soon I was up, butterflies fluttering in my insides. As there was only me and one other in my segment, I was allowed the choice of my own kata. Once I had finished, adrenaline rushed to my head; my opponent’s score was the same as mine! I watched as the judges rushed around, wondering how to solve the problem at hand. A few seconds and I had won! I smiled and laughed as my mother had also gotten first.
Later, we cheered the competitors doing kumite on. Friends from our dojo were recognised and won medals just as us. I saw friends chatting and congratulating each other. The medals ceremony was long, but it was nice to watch others be happy, holding medals in their hands. Only very few didn’t get medals yet everyone was happy. I did feel like I hadn’t done enough, only brandishing one, golden medal, but one was good enough.”
—
The Opinion of Elijah (1st Kyu)
I entered the national WSKF karate competition on Sunday 13th October 2016. Firstly I was pleased by the decision to enter the competition and got third place but before that, I trained as hard as I could. I felt more nervous than ever (except when I get in trouble) but that wasn’t the case here. The case is that I trained hard and I worked many hours day after day. Each day I would train at least 1 hour and then I would do homework, work on another sport or relax.
I was nervous as we stepped into the train and went to the competition. Later we got there and met our sensei and some people from our dojo, I was delighted to find out I only had to compete against nine people. I beat my first opponent but both of my friends lost the first round. I had to battle four strangers in the final and I only just made it but I got there in the end I was pleased with myself as I got a higher score than the fourth competitor and got the joint third place with him. Though I think I should’ve been 2nd.