WSKA World Championships 2013

On 27th and 28th September 2013 the World Shotokan Karate Championships took place at The Echo arena, Liverpool. Approximately thirty countries and 800 competitors’s made the trip to Liverpool for what was an outstanding event with spectators that raised the roof with the excellent support.

Members of Sendai Kushiro Karate were selected to represent the England Team at the event, Holly Sterling, Sam Light, Chris Hamilton, Beth Nicholson and Ryan Spencer were all hoping to impress on the world stage.

Holly Sterling, competing in her fifth World Championships having being ever present in the England Team since she was 16 years old, was hoping to improve on her individual standing having gained 4th place at the past two world championships. Holly progressed well through the rounds and beat some excellent competitors on the way to the quarter finals. Her next fight ended with her Polish counterpart being disqualified for excessive contact and the fight awarded to Holly, however Holly was withdrawn from the semi final after long discussions with the doctor, there for finishing in 3rd place. Holly also took Silver in the Ladies Team Kumite event along with team mates Rhianne Blundell, Caroline McGrath and Christina Finta.

Sam Light, Chris Hamilton, Beth Nicolson and Ryan Spencer were competing for their first time at a World Championships and certainly made their country proud. Sam Light just missed out on a medal after losing in the quarter finals to the eventual winner. Chris Hamilton was on fine form taking Gold in the Junior Team Kata, Bronze in the Senior Team Kata and Chris along with Sam Light, Cameron Graham and Matthew Humphries took another Bronze in the Junior Team Kumite.

Beth Nicholson and Ryan Spencer were looking to take their excellent form domestically to the World stage and they both performed very well. Beth like club mate Sam just missed out in the quarter finals of the individuals but progressed well with team mates Nicole Donoghue and Rebecca Morrison into the finals of the Cadet (16-17 years). The finals were very close with all girls performing brilliantly taking the home support and using it their advantage to beat their opponents from Poland. Ryan Spencer was making his international debut and was also on fine form with some excellent performances during the rounds, Ryan, Ethan Armstrong, Fraser Grice and Robert Crowney progressed to the finals against a very strong Russian team. The final end with victory to the Russians and the England Team took a very respectable Silver medal from the World Championships.

During the finals on day two, our very own Sensei John Bruce, along with Chris Hamilton, Sam Light and Ryan Spencer performed a demonstration which was well received by all.

A special mention goes to James McGorian, Hisham Saif and Rebecca Rawcliffe on becoming WORLD Champions in their events.

Congratulations to everyone