THE Rising Sun Kyokushin Karate club held its second Annual Welsh Championship club tournament, where Wales' Finest IKOGB (International Kyokushin Organisation Great Britain) competitors stepped onto the mat.

Participants walked in to the competition area to the Rock tune classic "IF"

by Creed, the atmosphere was a bit tense but everybody seemed to loosen up a bit after the walk.

Sempai Spencer explained the rules to the audience about the techniques that were allowed and ones which weren't.

The junior kata section was to take place first, where techniques of combat are practised in a formation of movement the less advanced practitioners of the club performed at a slightly better standard than the rest, which was a bit of a shock for most spectators and competitors, especially for the ones that were outclassed.

The results were as follows: Stevie Jo Swarts 1st place, Brady Thomas, 2nd place and Jacob Smith 3rd place.

The adult kata section took an unexpected turnaround also, where three members ended up battling it out for the pole position, yet after the final round the three judges agreed that the best kata was performed by: 1st place Samantha Whitlock, 2nd place Adam Belby and 3rd place Joey Davies.

Samantha was later congratulated after only being back in training for two weeks after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl of 6lb 5oz only eight weeks ago.

The junior novice kumite section saw three very talented fighters in a close heat against each other, and a new beginner took a shock third place after only just completing the Rising Sun six week karate beginners course proving how effective the traditional karate course actually is. Results were: 1st place Kai Hokey, 2nd place Olivia Provis Lewis, 3rd place Ellie Mae Chaplin.

In the Experienced Junior category an injured yet enthusiastic Stevie Jo Swarts just managed to miss out on a third place as she was unable to continue, but she was recognised as the most talented karateka of the club for her acheivment to complete two bouts with a bruised ankle.

The results were as follows: 1st Place Morgan Long, 2nd place Brady Thomas, 3rd place Luccia Sims.

The novice adults section showed a not so surprising result by the end of the day, with each participant showing a very good sporting attitude and an all round array of techniques with only one or two warnings given out from the chief referee sensei Lee Bennett.

The results were: Gareth Jenkins 1st place, Daniel Joyce 2nd place, Neil Griffiths 3rd place.

The final showdown of the men's experienced group saw a determined veteran Dave Jenkins show great effort against both opponents, only to just miss out on a second place.

A keen Joey Davies must have felt a little preasure after losing to a minority of the judges' votes, yet he performed very well throughout the contest showing an outstanding ability to attack from a distance very well, even with an injury that he sustained to his elbow a few weeks prior to the event his courage was remarkable.

A clean scoring Joe Orrey took the judges' vote with great technique and accuracy against both opponents giving him a one vote win over Joey Davies in the final, which was all he needed to take the Welsh title home.

Wales and Sheffield United professional superstar football player David Cotterall made a special guest appearance at the tournament to hand out the trophies that were awarded to Ellie May Chaplin for "most spirited fighter"

and best technique which went to Morgan Long.

David commented on how impressed he was by the competition and said it was a great annual event for local interest and showed the confident ability that this generation of champions possess within this disciplined sport.

The Rising Sun Kyokushin Karate Club train Mondays 8pm-9pm, Wednesdays 6pm-7pm, Thursdays 8pm-9pm and Fridays 6pm-9pm, Sundays 11am-12 noon "Rising-Sun-Rising-Stars" four to five-year-old class. Anybody is welcome to come along to the beginner class from 7pm-8pm on Fridays, where you can meet the friendly instructors that are fully insured, qualified and hold CRB records.

The Instructors and members are officially now affiliated to the WKGB (Welsh Karate Governing body) which are recognised by the Sports Council of Wales.

For more information call Lee on 07861699476 or visit www.rising-sun-kyokushin.co.uk