ECKA Light Continuous National Championships 2009

12th December 2009, Coventry

The Bletchley Dragons Karate Club took a team of excellent fighters to Coventry to compete in the ECKA National Championships for light continuous fighting. The team comprised of:

First up to fight from the club was Henry Stockwell in the Under 4' 8", Purple-Black category. He battled through three rounds, fighting a very tough opponent in the final. Henry fought really well, but just lost out - still gaining 2nd place. Henry has had a fantastic year with winning the semi-contact Nationals and two categories in the ECKA MK Open.

Henry on his way to the final
Henry on his way to the final

Next from the club was James Vaughan in the competitive Boys Under 5' Purple-Black category. He showed real improvement and fought fantastically - some of the best fighting we've seen from James! Unfortunately he lost out in the fight for 3rd place, but showed a lot of promise for the future.


James fighting hard but just missing out on 3rd place

Representing the club in the girls category was Robyn Vaughan in the Under 5' 4" Purple-Black grades. As in the semi-contact Nationals earlier in the year, Robyn was up against a collection of tough fighters from the Coventry club. She utilised her kicks well in her semi-final match and progressed easily to the final. The final was tough, fought over two rounds but again Robyn was able to make the most of her kicks and won the National title, her second of the year!

Robyn on her way to the final match
Robyn in action in her semi-final match

Robyn winning the final!

 

Daniel Nye fought in the Boys over 5' 4" Purple-Black grades and after losing out in a close match to the fighter who has beaten him in the Semi-Contact Nationals and MK Open, Daniel then proceeded to dominate the fight for 3rd place overall.


Daniel fighting very well but just missing out on his place in the final

Emma Ridge had picked up an injury so was unable to fight, but instead decided to compete for the first time in the freeform section. Despite being clearly nervous performing her freeform in front of a full leisure centre she did well and made no mistakes. She picked up the runners-up trophy, deservedly so.

The final category of the day was the Men's Under 70kg Black belts. This marked two major events; Sensei Geoff decided to return from a 7 year absence from competing, and Graeme Nye made the move up from the cadets section into the Men's group. Both were fortunate to receive byes in the first round and progressed to the semi-finals. Sensei Geoff was up first in his match against a fighter from Northampton, Sensei Geoff showed great experience by picking his opponent off after a tough first 30 seconds and won the fight to earn a place in the final. Graeme was up next against a very experienced 3rd Dan Black belt and fought very well indeed. The match was stopped, though, as his opponent had picked up an injury and was unable to continue and Graeme made his way to the final. The final was staged over two two-minute rounds, Graeme fought very well against Sensei Geoff but the previous rounds had taken their toll and Sensei Geoff was able to take the title, with Graeme gaining a well-deserved runners-up. Graeme showed great promise and we fully expect him to take the title in the near future.

Graeme Nye
Graeme kicking en route to the final
Sensei Geoff in his Semi-final
Sensei Geoff in his Semi-final

Sensei Geoff and Graeme in action in the final

So the final tally was:

 

The Bletchley Dragons Team
The Bletchley Dragons Squad