SUNDAY, July 20, saw six karate clubs go head to head as the Rising-Sun-Kyokushin karate club held its second Welsh Annual Budo Challenge Cup Competition at the YMCA HUB in Barry.

At the start of the day, the seven official judges prepared themselves for a line-up of challengers that will long be remembered by all present.

Some 85 members of different clubs around the Vale and South Wales each with mascots and banners representing their team walked onto the mat area to loud rock music, ready to battle it out for the prestigious cup awards, medals and certificates.

The teams and organisations present on the day were: The Rising-Sun-Kyokushin Karate Club, Goshin Karate Club, Shotokan (WKK), British Karate Kyokushinkai (BKK), Pontyprydd - Mas Oyama's Kyokushin Karate Organisation (MOKKO), and International Kyokushin Organisation Great Britain (IKOGB).

The main aim of the Budo Challenge is to unite all of the Japanese styles of traditional karate in a friendly competitive non-political way a great idea and name brought about by the chief referee and instructor of the Rising-Sun-Kyokushin Karate Club, Sensei Lee Bennett.

First event was the kata section, with the best performances coming for a second year running from Sensei Andrew Kania's Club. His International standard kata students were present and, with the likes of a world class Matthew Hill, WKK seemed to have the edge over the other clubs with sharp, advanced, technical katas.

Not far behind were Rising-Sun, yet the most wins in the kata were taken by Pontyprydd's Shihan (Master) Alwyn Heath's Club (6th dan). Alwyn was also the special guest and this year's main official WKGB (Welsh Karate Governing Body) referee for the event.

The novice seven to nine-year-old Kumite section saw a BKK showdown for second and third place, although a proud and determined Kai Hockey took pole position on the rostrum.

Results were: 1st Place, Kai Hockey (Rising Sun Dojo), 2nd Joseph Melhuish (BKK) 3rd Michael Short (BKK).

The experienced seven to nine-year-old category saw an exiting play-off for first, with two members of the club going head to head. Results were: 1st Place, Morgan Long (Rising-Sun- dojo), 2nd Jacob Smith (Rising-Sun-dojo), 3rd Tia Morgan (Goshin-dojo).

The boys experienced Category age 13 to 15 had another two of Sensei Malcolm's students in the final rounds after defeating a strong Melvin Jones from the Rising-Sun Club who took 4th. Results: 1st place: Carl White (Pontypridd), 2nd Patrick Brophy (Goshin-Dojo), 3rd Joseph Brophy (Goshin-dojo).

Courtney Taylor took the girls experienced section by storm to only just miss out on first, Courtney was supposed to fight in the novice section, only there weren't enough competitors on the day, so she advanced and stepped up to the challenge, performing tremendously well.

Results: 1st Place, Jodie Heath (Pontypridd), 2nd Courtney Taylor (Rising-Sun-dojo), 3rd Kirsty Hussein (Pontypridd).

The women's 16 years and above category had a fiery Samantha Whitlock under a lot of pressure after defeating a tough heavyweight opponent in her first bout, then facing an experienced International competitor in the finals.

The result was: 1st place Kirsty White (Pontypridd), 2nd Samantha Whitlock (Rising-Sun-Dojo), 3rd Caroline Whitlock (Rising-Sun-Dojo).

The Novice Mens 16 years and above section was another Rising-Sun whitewash, with three members reaching the final rounds. Results: 1st Place Daniel Joyce, 2nd Neil Griffiths, 3rd Adam Belby.

Yet again another run for the Rising sun club in the three top spots was seen in the mens 16 years and above experienced section, where results were: 1st place Joe Orrey, 2nd Gareth Jenkins, 3rd Lewis Giles.

A demonstration by the two instructors of the Rising-Sun club (Sensei Lee and Sempai Spencer) followed, with two complicated katas, and smashing of concrete blocks.

The highlight of the show saw the two brothers roundhouse kick through five blocks which were secured and held onto a tabletop by a pair of willing club members later described as 'amazing'.

Three prestigious awards were given out at the closing ceremony with a unanimous decision by the judges that the most spirited fighter went to Terry Butler, and best technique went to Tia Morgan (Goshin Dojo).

The overall points were added up with the most wins, and the prestigious Budo Challenge Cup 2008 went to The Rising-Sun-Kyokushin Karate Club.

The Annual Welsh Budo Challenge Cup is one of four competitions held by the Rising-Sun Club every year.

If you would like to train with the clubs champions at the YMCA HUB training times are, Mondays 8pm-9pm, Wednesdays 6pm-7pm, Thursdays 8pm-9pm and Fridays 7pm-9pm.

Anyone is welcome to come along and train for a first free lesson Fridays 7pm-8pm. All instructors are CRB checked and hold relevant first aid and teaching qualifications.

The Rising-Sun-Kyokushin Karate Club are members of the IKOGB and WKGB (Welsh Karate Governing Body) who are recognised by the Sports Council of Wales.

For more information visit www.rising-sun-kyokushin.co.uk or contact Lee on 07861 699476.