ESKA 2014 - Zurich

Karateka from all over Europe arrived in Zurich, Switzerland to compete at the European Shotokan Karate-Do Association (ESKA) Championships over the weekend of 28th-30th November. With competitors from 20 different countries, the tournament ran for three days and lived up to expectations with "top class" Karate performances of the highest standard.

Sendai Kushiro had five members selected for the event, these included:

Holly Sterling competing in the Senior (over 21 years) event was on fine form against the cream of European Karate as she made it to the Semi Final. Holly just missed out on a place to the final but can be very happy with her performance.

Sam Light performed very well in the individual event making it to the quarter finals and was part of the England Junior Male Kumite Team that made it to the quarter finals losing to Russia, Russia then went on to win the event.

Ryan Spencer, 17, was competing in his second European Championships and progressing well in the Male Individual Kumite and Team Kumite. After some tough rounds Ryan reached the finals in the Cadet Individual Kumite with some very well timed punches only to be pipped by a very sharp Polish competitor. Ryan along with Connor Wilson, Ethan Armstrong and fellow club team mate, Adam Gibson all performed well to take Bronze in the Cadet Team Kumite.

Adam Gibson, 16, was making his international debut having performed particularly well domestically. Along with picking up bronze in the Team Kumite he also competed in the individuals. During his first fight he was punched to the head with excessive contact by a huge competitor which received a warning. Adam battled through and ended the fight with an excellently timed punch which received ippon. Unfortunately after the fight and a second evaluation from the doctor he was withdrawn as he had concussion.

Having just moved to the Junior event, Beth Nicholson, 18 took the new category in her stride winning through the eliminations with a variety of kicks and punching techniques. Beth made it to the final and after a close fight was beaten to the title. Beth also performed well in the Team Kumite alongside Nicole Donoghue and Rebecca Morrison taking Bronze.

The England Team are now setting their sights on next years World Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland while the European Championships that will be held in Crawley, England.