- 2003

     

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Shuhari-Kai Xmas Competition

The final competition of the year, the Shuhari-Kai Christmas Fun Competition (the emphasis being on fun), was held on 21st December 2003 at Harold Wood. This provided a chance for the students to unwind after what has been a long year for the club. I thought I'd seen it all but then I learnt a thing or two and what a laugh...


Eight from Eight at IKGA Invitational

Shuhari-Kai Karate Club were invited to take part in the International Karate-Do Goju-Kai Association's Championships held on 7th December 2003 at Gable Hall School, Stanford Le Hope. The tournament was a Kumite only tournament but it still commanded a healthy attendance, and Shuhari-Kai added to the numbers by supplying a squad of eight. The squad didn't disappoint as they came away with eight medals - one apiece...


TKA International Open Championships

Goresbrook Leisure Centre was the host for the TKA International Open Championships held on the 16th November 2003. Gold for Jodie Miles in the Kumite event with Bronze from the Kata to add to her weekends total. Further Bronzes in Kumite for Aimee Sell and Sophie Roberts who finally were rewarded for their hard work after their Wales encounter. New boy Jordan Hodges came away with his fist ever Bronze Medal in an open competition and Luke Mount secured the final Bronze...


3rd South England Grand Prix – Round 3

Alex Sell was once again the only representative from Shuhari-Kai to attend the next round of the South England Grand Prix held on 16th September 2003. Alex travelled to Loughton in Essex to continue to compete for the Elite award for the overall champion. Although suffering from Flu at the time, Alex still had the desire to compete. Unfortunately, although being ranked 2nd for both Kata and Kumite in the competition, that's how it finished as Alex bowed out in the 2nd round of the Kata event and failed to progress to the finals in his U40KG pool Kumite event. Alex lost his first bout 8-10 and lost his second on a tie break after tying 2-2. Alex completed his last ever foray into Shikon territory with a routing 8-0 victory over his final competitor. I'm sure Alex will be all the more wiser for his experiences there.


Jodie in Kata finalNo Sheepish Performance in Wales

A small squad of four from Havering based Shuhari-Kai Karate Club, ventured into Wales for the Welsh Open Karate Tournament. The tournament was held on Saturday 15th November 2003 at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff, around the grounds of the impressive Cardiff Castle. The squad was rewarded with one Welsh Champion and another Welsh Finalist in a Shuhari-Kai one-two...


Wonderful Weekend for Shuhari-Kai Squad.

USK SquadWhat a busy yet profitable weekend for the Shuhari-Kai Karate Club Squad who took part in the USK International Invitational Championships on Saturday 18th October followed by the Danson Open on Sunday 19th October and came away with 14 medals for the weekend's work...

   

USK Invitational Championships

Our largest squad for a while turned out for this local competition held on Saturday 18th October at the Hornchurch Sports Centre, Harrow Lodge. The Kata events started first and all initial Kata rounds were scored on a points system with the top eight  going through to the knock-out stages...

  

Danson Open

A smaller squad of six took part in the Danson Open held in Bexleyheath, Kent on Sunday 19th October. After their exploits the previous day, they were looking to go one better and improve on their medal haul, which they did to great effect. With the Kata event being held first, Jodie Miles, Sophie Roberts, Aimee Sell and Alex Sell were competing in the same 3rd to 1st Kyu event with Sam Gee competing in the 6th to 4th Kyu event...


EKGB SquadNational Glory at EKGB Championships

A small squad of five from Shuhari-Kai attended the 2003 EKGB Children’s National Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield on the 27th & 28th September. Considering the small number they were rewarded well with a brilliant 4 Nationals Medals between them, 1 Gold and 3 Silver. The event which saw the brightest young talent pit their wits and skill against each other to become National Champions was conducted over two days. Day one saw the Kata events being contested whilst day two hosted the Kumite events...

 


TKA Grand Open Championships

Yet another early Sunday morning start saw Leisure World in Colchester host the TKA Grand Open Championships on 21st September 2003. A small squad of 5 made the trip from Shuhari-Kai Karate Club to compete in the championships and were rewarded for their efforts with a Gold, Silver and Bronze trophy.

   

The first events of the championships were the Kata (form) events. 8 year old Vishaal Dovedi was competing in the 15 years and under 6th-4th kyu Kata, whilst 11 year old Jodie Miles, 12 year old Sophie Roberts, 11 year old Alex Sell and 8 year old Aimee Sell were all competing in the 15 years and under 3rd-1st kyu Kata event together...


3rd South England Grand Prix – Round 2

Alex Sell was once again the only representative from Shuhari-Kai to attend the next round of the South England Grand Prix held on 14th September 2003. Alex travelled to Loughton in Essex to continue to compete for the Elite award for the overall champion. Having secured a gold for Kata and a bronze in Kumite in the last round, Alex was eager to continue his good progress...

   


BIKO British Open Championships – Dream Team strike Gold.

Another early Sunday morning start saw the Shuhari-Kai squad turn out for the BIKO British Open Championships on 14th September 2003 at the Grundy Leisure Centre in Cheshunt. The championships turned out to be a larger event than expected with between 30-50 competitors for each of the children’s individual events making the categories very tough indeed.

 

First event of the day was the Team Kata. The event was judged upon one round of Kata on a scoring system. The highest score wins. The Shuhari-Kai Kata team of JJ Burridge, Jodie Miles and Sophie Roberts performed their chosen Kata, Seienchin, which was scored 6.9, 6.9, & 7.4 totalling 21.2...


Leon Walters - Return of the Champ.

Leon Walters made the return trip to Shuhari-Kai Karate Club on Sunday 7th September 2003. Leon, accompanied by Jo Long, gave the students a thorough workout as they made their preparations for the forth-coming EKGB National Championships...


Double Gold at Malta International Open Championships

Shuhari Kai representative, Alex Sell made the trip to Malta to compete in the 1st Malta International Open Championships held at Msida, Malta on 20th July 2003. Representatives from a number of countries including Germany, Italy, Sweden, braved the 103+ degree heat to participate in the first open championships to be held on the Maltese Islands...


Seishan Open Championships

No medals at the Seishan Open Championships on Sunday 10th August 2003 but plenty of good performances. On the hottest day in England's history, the temperatures were a few degrees higher inside the Grundy Leisure Centre as the competition warmed up. A small squad of just four, from Shuhari-Kai Karate Club, attended the event in the knowledge that the categories were well stacked against them but still chose to compete for the experience, and plenty of experience was gained...   


Kumite Masters

Sophie Roberts and Jodie Miles were the only two students to represent Shuhari Kai at Steve Gul's fourth Summer Kumite Masters special one day course and competition held on Sunday 20th July 2003 at Shoeburyness Leisure Centre, Shoeburyness. The course was headed by Soke Gary Wasniewski, Shihan Timmy Frances, Wille Thomas, Shaun Hoddy, Trevor White and Matt Chapman

  

Training consisted of street defence, weapons, ground work, competition techniques, pad work, sweeping and advanced combinations.  Both girls really enjoyed the day and both came away with Bronze medals for Kumite after fighting one of Britain's champions. The girls would like to thank Steve Gul for organising this well run event and look forward to next years event.


London Youth Games Finals

On Sunday 13th July 2003, Crystal Palace hosted the London Youth Games Karate Finals. The finals consisted of four competitors in each category with each competitor competing in a round-robin contest. The Kata events were first, followed by the Kumite events... MORE>


Leon Walters visit to Shuhari-Kai

What a fantastic afternoon was had by all when Leon Walters showed why he was world champion to the students of the Shuhari-Kai Karate Club. On Sunday 6th July 2003, Leon Walters, accompanied by his expert Karate uncle, Andy Walters, came down to Harold Wood to impart some of his knowledge to the up-and-coming students and show the adults a trick or two. After taking the students through a well drilled warm-up session, Leon demonstrated a few techniques which have helped him to become the current World over 80kg Karate Champion. Leon demonstrated each technique carefully explaining the purpose of the move before drilling the students. With lighting speed, Leon executed each technique on his accomplice Andy, to demonstrate its effectiveness. Awesome to watch!  Leon then spent the remainder of the session practicing sparring with the students who, try as they might, couldn't quite claim Leon's crown.

  

Leon was fantastic with the students, especially the younger ones, and made the enjoyable afternoon session fly past all too quickly. Sensei Richard Burridge and the Shuhari-Kai students would like to thank Leon and Andy for taking time out of their busy schedules to come down and teach the future world champions a thing or two. Let's hope it's not too long before Leon returns. 

  

Click HERE for photos of Leon's visit.


Commonwealth Karate Championships

What a fantastic event the 2nd Commonwealth Karate Championships were over the weekend of 30th/31st August 2003. The Velodrome, in Manchester played host to 16 countries competing in the tournament in what turned out to be one of England’s finest displays. If the first days events were good, the second day was even better with the English Karate Team taking Gold in all but one event. England’s medal haul over the weekend consisted of 12 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze medals. England’s closet rivals were Malaysia who finished the tournament with 3 Gold and 5 Bronze medals after winning the Male and Female Team Kata and Female Individual Kata events. That clearly highlighted the shear strength of the England Squad... MORE>


Alex & Jodie - Gold & SilverShuhari Shines at Danson Open

A small squad of five attended the Danson Open in Bexleyheath on Sunday 29th June 2003, and between them they came away with 3 Golds, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze trophy.

 

Aimee Sell, Jodie Miles, Sophie Roberts and Alex Sell all competed in the same Kata event whilst Vishaal Dovedi competed in a separate category. Vishaal failed to progress to the last four along with Aimee and Sophie, but Jodie and Alex both secured high enough points to compete in the knockout stages... MORE>


Havering's Heros - London Youth Games

A great result for Havering as no less than ten events will be contested at the Finals of the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace on 13th July 2003 by the Havering Karate Squad. The preliminary rounds which were held on Sunday 22nd June 2003, also at Crystal Palace, saw some great performances by the Havering squad in both the Kata and Kumite events... MORE>


EKKA East Anglian Ipswich Open

Jodie Miles, fresh from returning home from the Shuhari-Kai Summer Camp, headed straight for the East Anglian Open Karate Competition held at the Corn Exchange in Ipswich on 1st June as the only representative from Shuhari-Kai. Marvellous Miles continued her winning streak by taking Silver in her Individual Kata event and then went one better to take Gold in her individual Kumite event. Jodie has now managed to bring home medals from all of her competitions so far. What a wonderful achievement from the 'Bulldog'!


3rd South England Grand Prix

Alex Sell was the only representative from Shuhari-Kai to attend the first round of the South England Grand Prix held on 1st June. Alex travelled to Loughton in Essex to compete for Elite award for the overall champion. The Grand Prix is held over three events with points scored at each event applied to a ranking system. The overall champion is decided on accumulated points over the course of the Grand Prix... MORE>


Shuhari-Kai Summer Camp Competition Roundup.

The Shuhari-Kai Karate Camp at Mablethorpe not only produced our newest Black Belt in Alex Groves, it also gave the attendees a chance to demonstrate their newly honed skills by participating in a Kata and Kumite competition. 

   

The Kumite winners were Ali Ayerman, Abigail Gee, Claire Page and Wayne Burridge

The two Kata events were won by Jodie Miles and Steve Edwards.

    

Click HERE for a full list of results.


Ishinryu Open - SquadMore Trophies from Ishinryu Open 

A squad from Shuhari-Kai competed in the Inshinryu Open on Saturday 17th May 2003.  Shuhari-Kai ended the tournament with 2 silvers and 2 bronzes. The tournament saw some terrific contests, not least of which was JJ. Burridge's early round fight with Curtis which saw some 'determination' and 'spirit' from both fighters. This fight was one of JJ's most impressive displays of the year so far finally unleashing some of that potential and technical ability that he possesses. JJ. went on to secure a third place finishing taking a Bronze trophy... MORE>

    


Wado-Kai England Open - SquadWado-Kai England Open

On Sunday 11th May, a small squad of 12 attended the Wado-kai England Open in Reading. The competition was extremely tough and large with over 800 competitors taking part. Every one who took part performed well on the day and if some dubious refereeing decisions had not gone against us, we would have come home with a lot more trophies... MORE>

  


New Black Belt Alex Groves with Sensei Richard Burridge and Steve Edwards.Interview with a Black Belt

At the recent Shuhari-Kai Summer camp at Mablethorpe, Alex Groves became Shuhari-Kai's newest Black Belt after taking and passing his 1st Dan grading. The Shuhari-Kai web team took the opportunity to interview him about his achievement... MORE>

    


Havering Games

Havering Games - SquadThe Selection for the Heathrow London Youth Games were concluded on Saturday 10th May at the Hornchurch Sports Centre, Harrow Lodge. The Havering Games brought together the brightest stars of Karate throughout Havering each hoping to gain the honour of representing their borough at the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace in June. The names of the winners of each category are shown below and were automatically selected to represent Havering. For a full set of results, click HERE

  

... MORE>


Jodie & LouiseShuhari-Kai Easter Championships

The Shuhari-Kai Easter Championships held at Harold Wood, saw a magnificent turnout on Easter Sunday with approximately 50 students from all 5 Dojo's attending. There were some excellent performances from the majority of the competitors with every body getting stuck in. For some competitors like Leah Mayhew, Jordan Hodges and Dominic Costantini, this was their first taste of competitive action (although the way they performed you'd never of guessed)... MORE> 


Higashi-Kai Colchester Open

Jodie & Alex - Colchester 2003Only 2 members of the Shuhari-Kai Squad attended the Higashi-Kai Colchester Open on 2nd March 2003, Jodie Miles and Alex Sell. They both performed exceptionally well by taking top honour in their respective events for the Kata competition. First up was Alex who performed Seianchin securing the first gold for the day. Jodie soon followed performing the same Kata also impressing the judges who awarded her gold.  Jodie went on to add to her medal haul by securing a Bronze in her Kumite event. They both performed exceptionally and represented their club with honour.

 


Extended Time at Dagenham

The Dagenham Dojo - Woodward Hall (see Venues for address and map), will operate extended training times from Friday 11th April. The Dojo will open its doors for two hours, between 6:00pm and 8:00pm on Fridays, increasing training times by an extra half hour.  So don't miss out of this opportunity to extend your Karate training. If you're not a regular at this Dojo, why not take advantage come along?  Or tell your friends about it!  

     

If you're new, why not come along and try it out? Beginners always welcome.


2nd Shorai Nationals

The 2nd Shorai Nationals were held on 23rd February 2003 at Wood Lane Sports Centre, Dagenham. Shuhari-Kai swept the board walking away with a massive 30 medals. The event was hosted by Steve Gul 5th Dan, and supported by Timmy Frances 7th Dan, Richard Burridge and current European Kata Champion, Jonathan Mottram. 

   

For a full set of results Click Here.

 


Alex SellHavering Sports Council Awards

Shuhari-Kai squad member, Alex Sell, secured runner-up spot in the ‘Junior Male Competitor of the Year’ category of the Annual Havering Sports Awards 2002, organised by the Havering Sports Council. On Monday 17th February, numerous dignitaries such as the Mayor and Mayoress of Havering, Upminster MP Angela Watkinson and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell attended the award ceremony held at the Upminster Golf Club, where Alex was presented with a framed runner-up certificate for his achievements... MORE>

 


Team Wins USK Kumite Gold

Left to right: Aimme Sell, Alex Sell, Jodie Miles, Sophie Roberts.Yes it's the infamous Shuhari-Kai junior team at it again. They picked up their third title of the year with an impressive performance to take the gold in the 9th USK International Invitational Championships held in Hornchurch Sports Centre. After coming through the preliminary rounds easily, they were up against a good team from Rainham, Inshinryu, in the final... MORE>