ON SATURDAY, September 24, four members of Barry Kyokushin Karate Club travelled to Bishop Stortford to compete in the British Championships.

These fighters have trained themselves for three months to complete in kata, and in knockdown for the first time. First to step on the mat to defend her five title wins in kata was Rhian Evans.

Rhian was in a category with some very tough competitors and drew for first place in the first round, and had to proceed to do a second kata for the judges. Rhian performed Seienchin, a black belt level kata, to a fantastic standard and scored an overall 21.8, a very high score, which secured her first place and a sixth championship title.

After a long wait, Cameron Quigley was next to compete in middleweight knockdown. Cameron went through to the final against a very tough and evenly matched competitor, which sent him sailing into extension bouts.

Both fighters put up a tough fight, and showed a fantastic display of technicality. Cameron secured himself an incredibly respectful second place.

Next on the mat was Gareth Dutton, competing in heavyweight knockdown. Gareth’s final bout was very tough, against an evenly matched competitor.

The competitor unfortunately took an early wasari (half-point), but that did not stop Gareth from showing a great performance, throwing strong punches and kicks. Gareth won a very well deserved second place in his category.

Rhian Evans was next to step on the mat, Rhian fought in the Open Lightweight Section as a novice, this was due to a lack of female lightweight fighters in the novice category. Rhian’s final fight was against a very experienced international competitor and faced a very tough fight, but gave as good as she got.

After a very tough three minutes with both fighters showing a fantastic display of fighting, Rhian took a very respectful second place.

Club instructor Senpai Phill says: “This was a first for these fighters in the knockdown section, the training for this was very intense, with more experience I’m sure these fighters will go on to achieve more in this level of fighting, but I’m exceptionally proud of them for stepping up and giving it their best, we will continue with the training and look to send them into the next event at the Barry Memorial hall on February 4, 2017, for the Welsh Championships”.

Barry Kyokushin train at Castleland Community Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays, six to 16-year-olds train 6pm till 7.30pm and 16 plus train from 7.30pm till 9pm.

For more information visit bkkc.co.uk or find them on Facebook.