I am always open to advice on training methods and help, so should anyone from Higashi have any please don't hesitate to contact me at:

paul@toyakankarate.com.au

www.toyakankarate.com.au

Yours in Higashi

Paul Butterfield

INDIVIDUAL GOLD: Shannon McCreath and Jack Denham

INDIVIDUAL SILVER: Connor Clydesdale,

INDIVIDUAL BRONZE: Sam Mohammad

MALE TEAM: Silver

MIXED TEAM: Silver

Full Report and photos to follow soon.

Report and photos HERE

We were treated as ever with great hospitality and given a tour of Rome, there is always something new to see it seems. This is such a wonderful city!

We stayed in Ostia and were located in a hostel overlooking the sea and beach, and the hostel was better than a lot of hotels that I have stayed in.

The competition was an evening meeting and was once again very well supported by spectators who came to see not only the competition but demonstrations from various martial arts. These included team kata with bunkai from both adults and children.

I do have to say that our team looked very lack-lustre in the 1st round against the Irish, and our very slow start was taken advantage of. This made us look very ordinary and we lost leaving the Irish team in the final with the Italians, after our hosts, Italy, beat the Serbian team.

The only thing left for us to do was fight for 3rd place, and, despite the earlier having their confidence knocked, Collin Heath, Loxley Simmonds and Jerome Kumidzina raised their game for a cagey win over the Serbians.

The ladies team, a new event for this year, was 2 rounds against the Italian ladies with a mixed team of Serbia, Ireland and Higashi (Stacey Pickett). All of the girls fought strongley but it was an uphill battle against a confident home team. The first round went to the Italians, and although the 2nd round was much tougher and the scores were closer it was not to be and the Italians won this round too.

The evening was an Italian style venue in a marquee within the grounds of the restaurant. The constant flow of different courses was a different dining experience, however it was a very sociable way to eat.

I was confident I had the obligatory cheek kissing sorted this year after the difficulties I experienced last year (see Report 2006), sadly however my confidence was misplaced when seeing our guide of last year at the station I strode forward, lent forward confidently and promptly headbutted her! OOPS!!!!!!!!! Ok, Ok, the left side first next time!!

The guide was fighting later and she took some nasty head shots ensuring no lawsuit for me for assault!! Phew!!! We were then taken to a beach bar/club but I have to admit that I was so exhausted that I went to bed. Not because I am getting old and need my beauty sleep but I think it was the stress of worrying if Loxley had been chased off by the landlord's poodle! I know that I gave Ealing some stick last year about their so called nocturnal status. I didn't realise that such an educated guy (Loxley) could be so naive when it came to street performers, despite every member of the squad telling him that the painted statue was a real person he set out to prove us all wrong, needless to say he was proved incorrect in his assumptions when the statue said "Boo!". I must say that if he had moved that fast later on then we would of been in 1st place subject to a drug test because the last time I saw anything move that fast it was Ben Johnson before his world record and subequent ban.

Anyway we had a great time and everyone appreciated our hosts hospitality once again, and our deepest and most sincere thanks goes to Massimo.

Thanks

Andy

P.S I wanted to give Ealing some more stick about never being on time and keeping our tour guides waiting on occassions, but I can't because I only just made the flight out with 10 minutes to spare. I will therefore not mention anybodies time keeping we will just say that it was an extremely tight schedule!

Loxley Simmonds -80kg gold

Melissa Lewis female +60kg silver

Congratulations to James Smith (4th dan Wessex Higashi) on his recent marriage to Collette.

I trust you will all join me in congratulating Joanna (HKK Medical Officer) and Kim Carrim on the recent first addition to their family of Luka, a 6lb bouncing, baby boy!

Stuart Alexander
Jack Denham
Chris Kelly
Sam Mohammed
Shannon McCreath

The event was run on the flag system, so on a knock out basis with a reperchage in place. The category 11 to 15 year olds mixed, 3rd kyu and above had the most competitors, 23 in all. It was decided that the category would be split into boys and girls and the event to be run separately. Each event was tough and both Jack and Shannon did well to get third place, having to perform three or four katas each. Chris and Sam did well, although not placing.

On Sam’s first outing for the squad, he made it to the second round, going out doing Jion. Association katas were allowed. Although our katas differed to those of the other Wado competitors, we seemed to do OK in getting our fair share of awards. Even if we lost, we at least got a flag in our favour.

The senior male category was small but the standard quite high. Stuart went out to the eventual winner in the first round but came back in the reperchage to secure a joint third. They officials seemed to like Wanshu more than Passai.

On the day, it was decided that an open event would be run incorporating all styles Wado, Shotokan, Shito-Ryu and Goju-Ryu. Obviously, this was a tough event. Chris was drawn against Shannon and Chris went through doing Seienchin.

In the next round, Chris went out doing Seishan. Jack had a nightmare in the open event but never mind – at least he got third in his Wado category. Sam got through the first round doing Passai and then performed Higashi-Sho. Unfortunately, he went out at this stage.

The senior male category had some Regional England Karate squad in, Shotokan style. Stuart went out in the first round, 2 to 1 performing Wanshu against Gojushiho Sho. He came back in on the reportage and went up against the winner of the Wado event and lost 2 to 1 performing Jion.

To summarise, the event gave good experience to all who took part and it is apparent that within the next 12 to 24 months, with regular training and competitions, Higashi will be challenging for the top spots at events like these.

Report by Stu Alexander

We also had some great results from our Kumite competitors:

National Karate Sport England Ranking Series

Salim Muhammad Boys 10-11 years +35kg GOLD.
Dalila Corda Girls 14-15 years -59kg SILVER.
Niamh Degaichia Girls 12-13 years -45kg BRONZE

Isabella Garcha-Nuzzolo Girls 12-13 years -45kg BRONZE

Besmy Isikgum Girls 14-15 -53k BRONZE

Salim Muhammad Boys 10-11 years -45kg silver.
Larissa Heath Girls 14-15 years +57kg Bronze.
Niamh Degaichia Girls 10-11 years -45kg Bronze

Girls Team 14-15 years Bronze (Larissa, Dalila, Kheirah and Besime).

All who attended the comp over the two days showed good improvement.

Collin Heath - GOLD in the 70K and BRONZE in the Open
Larissa Heath - BRONZE in the Girls 14/15 +59K
Melissa Lewis - BRONZE in the +60K and BRONZE in the Open.

That's 5 medals from 3 competitors. Great going!

Congratulations to our 'family' members on their promotions.

Aiden Flannigan - Christine McGowan - Sarah Black - Kathy Brennan
SHODAN                  NIDAN                   SHODAN            SHODAN

Congratulations to Michael Evans on his promotion to Shodan.

Reports to follow.

Contact Pete on: 01793 525342 for more details.

Sunday February 25th 10am - 1pm

Contact Mike on: 07770503254 for more details.

Please remember also that Kumite Squad sessions will be held at the Elkai dojo the last Sunday in every month in 2007!

The Kata Course went exceedingly well and thanks to everyone for their support.

My West Wales Course went exceedingly well and thanks to everyone for their support.

We had a fine result at the recent British Karate Federation Annual Championships.

Melissa Lewis - GOLD
Kumite Team -SILVER
Loxley Simmonds - SILVER

Jennie Safa - BRONZE

Meenaz Janar - BRONZE

Report and pictures to follow.

There was a great crowd of family, friends and of course Higashi members.

Pete was in fine form despite his 'old age' and the evening went really well.

The highlight was the award of 7th dan to Pete and if ever anybody was 'knocked for six' and stuck for words it was Pete! In an emotional and charged atmosphere he was mobbed by all and there were not many dry eyes in the house!

Congratulations Pete Whitley 7th dan, he of warrior spirit and Higashi heart!

The Barcelona trip went exceedingly well and thanks to everyone for their support.

Reports and Galleries are available below:

My Gallery HERE

Whitley Gallery HERE

West Wales Gallery HERE

Wessex Gallery HERE

Maldon Gallery HERE

West Wales Report HERE

Whitley Report HERE

Maldon Report HERE

Belfast Higashi travelled to Carlow recently to take part in an international invite which included teams from Hungary, Wales, Austria and Ireland. Although this was our first major comp for a while, the following competitors gave a good performance. Rory McKensie in the junior section made the finals of Kata and put up a courageous defence against the eventual finalist in the kumite. Christine Mc Gowan shone in her first major competition in Kata, giving an almost flawless demonstration in both katas. She missed a placing by just one tenth of a point but it augers well for her futher competitions.

Our only medal was gained by Angosi Danes, a newcomer to competition. A great effort in the under 3rd kyu catagory gained her a silver medal one of many I am sure. Kevin Finn from our Sligo also came home with two medals in the senior section of kata and kumite.

A special thanks must go to the parents of these competitors who rose at 5am to complete a 320 mile round trip. To them I am grateful for their support and dedication.

Paul McNally.

Congratulations to our following Kata squad members on their results at the recent BIKO Championships in Cheshunt:

Robert McFederies - GOLD
Carly Hallett - GOLD

Our Squad had a good result in Rome recently, at the invitation of FIAM, with a Silver in the Team Kumite.

SQUAD REPORT

The 4 Nation Memorial Event – Rome October 2006

Our hosts met us at the airport and escorted us to our hotel, where we were later collected to view Ancient Rome – which was abandoned after flooding. The next day we were escorted to Old Rome, and to all who visited it was just an incredible place – “Wow!”. The squad decided to forgo the visits as we had a 2.30am start on the day of travel, but some managed a flying visit, enough to make them want to return.

Competition

The Event was held in a basket ball stadium and very few seats were left available. The first draw was Higashi vs Serbia. Jerome Kumedzina held a tight first half of the match with the Serbian European Champion taking the lead with a quick succession of points. This appeared to make him a little over confident allowing Jerome to pull back strongly for a draw. Loxley Simmons came out and gave a good display of technique finishing with a head kick putting the medals out of reach and an all important 3 point margin.

Andy Kear came out to a wily Serbian who had no intention of coming inside Andy Kear's range. He eventually caught Andy with a punch, but Andy kept his cool and kept him at his distance to maintain our points win.

Italy in the next round had the opportunity to see our form and adjusted their team accordingly. Jerome came up against the newly introduced 'Giant' Italian. It appeared obvious he was to keep Jerome at range and try to pick of a point or two, which he did. He had no intention of getting near Jerome's gyakasuki or sweep!

Loxley came out and had a very tight match. The Italian had obviously observed Loxley's earlier fight and just managed to pinch a point at the bell.

To late for Andy to change the match but all the Italians were very mobile and difficult to pin down. So with the Italian relaxed from their win, he just danced around and eventually nicked a point followed by a long debated head kick, which just added to the tension in Andy Kear.

So second place for Higashi! The whole event was a great display by all competitors.

Rome Night Life

We were later taken to a night club, en-route we were introduced to the Rome traffic, where I was propositioned! As I don't speak Italian my interpreter told me that my admirer wanted to know if I was gay as he was interested – Oops!! When we were told we were going to a Disco a feeling of Deja-vue come over me. I thought, I remember those! Anyway I didn't think I was showing my age until I went in and thought sh** that's loud!!

At least I didn't fall asleep like the younger members! I though the Ealing boys were nocturnal – I was wrong again!

So at 3.00am, I thought at last of to bed – but NO – hot croissants at 3.30am! – bed at 4.00am!

The obligatory cheek kissing completed - with my earlier experience, I drew the line at kissing the guys – even with the Irish barracking me.

PS. This was after we left the Night Club – not bed at 4.00am.

Andy Sanders
HKK Squad Manager

Congratulations to our following Kumite Squad members on their results at the recent English Junior Championships:

James Witt - SILVER
Larissa Heath - BRONZE
Dalila Corda - BRONZE