| After considering what competition to go to on Sunday 23rd April, 4 students from Shuhari-Kai decided to travel to Cannock in the West Midlands to compete in the Mushindo Wado-Kai competition. It was an early start and after 2 ½
hours travelling we arrived at about 8.30 a.m. a little early so we waited patiently outside the dojo. We were allowed into the dojo at about 9 a.m. and the four students got changed and started warming up for the day’s events.
First up was our 6 year old Callum Alboni he was entered into the 10 years and under 6th to 4th kyu category, Callum was situated about half way down the draw sheet and received a first round bye, in the next round Callum opted to do Pinan Nidan
, this was very strong and he took the win 2 flags to 1, in his next round he decided to perform the same Kata but was unfortunate as he lost 3 flags to 0 but in my opinion this was the best Callum has ever performed his Katas well done Callum.
Our next competitor was Jordan Hodges. Jordan was in the mixed 11 to 15 years beginner to 4th kyu category, he was called up first and decided to perform Pinan Shodan but was unlucky and lost 2 flags to 1, both boys done really well but was unfortunate not
to go through into repechage.
Next it was the girls, with Jade Lewis and Jodie Miles in the same category, girls 11 to 15 years 3rd kyu and above. Jade received a first round bye, then went into her next round performing Seienchin Kata against Sophie Wise from E.K.K. Jade just
piped Sophie by winning 2 flags to 1. Jade wasn’t so lucky with her next Kata Bassai Dai as she was beaten 2 flags to 1, then her opponent went out in the next round so Jade didn’t get chance to enter the repechage. Jodie’s first Kata was Bassai-Dai and she took all 3
flags. In her next round Jodie decided to perform Seienchin and again took all three flags, the next round was a little tougher but Jodie managed a 2 flag to 1 win for her Unshu Kata. Her next Kata was Seipai and again took all 3 flags putting her in the final up against
Shikon’s Alice Goudy. Jodie decided to go back to Bassai-Dai and Alice performed Annan but Jodie just missed out by 2 flags to 1 but did get a silver medal for her efforts.
Next was Kumite and again with Callum only being 6 years old he had to be put into the 8 to 10 years under 4’3” category. Callum received a first round bye, in his next round Callum was up against a boy a lot bigger and stronger but he threw everything he could but
was unable to score and lost the match 2 points to 0.
Jordan was next up with 32 in his category he knew he had his work cut out. Jordan’s first opponent failed to turn up, in his next round Jordan managed to score 4 points before his opponent was disqualified for losing his temper on the mat. Jordan’s next fight was a
mystery with the scores being 0 – 0 Jordan managed to twist his foot and was unable to put any weight on it, so St John’s ambulance wouldn’t let him carry on and a special unit was sent out to look at his foot, he then left the competition to go to the hospital (we hope your
feeling better now Jordan).
Jade was next in the girls 11 to 14 years under 45kg. Jade lost her first match 2 points to 1 after extra time but did manage to win her repechage match 7 points to 0 and picked up a bronze medal.
Jodie was called up next in the girls 11 to 14 years under 50kg, her first opponent didn’t show, and in her next fight she was yet again up against Alice, Jodie put up a good fight but lost the match 8 points to 1, this did put her in the repechage . Jodie scored 3
points for a jodan kick she tried it again but this time it just touched but didn’t leave a mark but with her opponent in tears the medics told her not to carry on as she could be hurt again and so Jodie was disqualified.
Jodie was asked to enter the girl’s team event by friends Heidi Jay and Vicky Warren from E.K.K.A. Ipswich. There were 4 teams in this event and with their team being drawn against Shikon, they knew they had there work cut out. Heidi went first and drew 1-1, Vicky
went next and took the win 8 points to , It was all down to Jodie she had to win or draw and she didn’t disappoint by winning 3 points to 1, this took the girls straight into the finals. This time Vicky went first and took the win 3 points to 1, Heidi next but she lost her
match 3 points to 2 yet again it was down to Jodie for the decider and yes yet again she pulled it off winning the match 2 points to 0 which gave them the girls team gold.
The competition was well run with all the mats being used constantly during the day. Shuhari-Kai would like to thank Vince Parker and all his colleagues for making it a very enjoyable day.
Squad: Callum Alboni, Jordan Hodges, Jade Lewis and Jodie Miles.
Report - Pat Miles |