Karate Kyokushin Bookazine 2013

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

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Contents Page 7 - Tournament Welcome Page 9 - Shihan Liam Keaveney Intro To The 4th IFK World Tournament Page 11 - The 4th IFK Adult World Tournament Review Page 18 - The 4th IFK Cadet World Tournament Review Page 20 - The 4th IFK World Tournament Results Page 21 - IFK News & Roundup Pgee 23 - BKK Summer Camp Review Page 27 - KWU World Tournament Review Page 31 - KWU World Tournament Results Page 32 - 36th British Open Tournament Review Page 39 - 36th BKK British Open & BKK Regional Tournament Results Page 41 - BKK Knockdown Roundup Page 39 - BKK Around The World - Time To Be United Page 44 - BKK Events & News

Editorial Welcome back to K2 Crawley for the BKK’s Open National Knockdown Tournament – this being our 37th event and welcome again to all our fighters, spectators, officials and supporters.

Kyokushinkai Magazine E.mail: liam.keaveney@btinternet.com Publisher: British Karate Kyokushinkai Editors: Liam Keaveney, David Pickthall Ollie Potter and Jo Merth Contributors: David Pickthall, Ollie Potter Miguel Romano, Andrew Turner Moss Ageli, Alan Dvorak, Paul Baker Creative & Design Director: Ollie Potter Kyokushinkai Magazine welcomes articles and photographs for publication from our readers. However, any views and opinions expressed in contributors material do not necessarily represent those of the Editor in Chief or publishers of Kyokushinkai Magazine. “Kyokushinkai Magazine and its Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or revise any material submitted for publication should it be deemed necessary.” British Karate Kyokushinkai Founder and President Hanshi Steve Arneil (10th Dan) British Karate Kyokushinkai Chairman Shihan Liam Keaveney (6th Dan) www.bkk-uk.com twiiter.com/@ifk_kyokushin facebook.com/IFKKyokushin facebook.com/BritishKyokushinkaiKarate www.ifk-kyokushin.com

We are again proud to publish our magazine to coincide with the British Open and my gratitude to the many companies, dojos and individuals who have supported us this year (as in previous years) with sponsorship. This support not only allows us to publish our magazine but also assists the BKK to film the event. My recognition and appreciation is also offered to the contributors of this issue (mentioned elsewhere) and a special mention and word of gratitude to Jo Merth and Ollie Potter Kyokushin Magazine has been published now for over thirty years (and we have not missed an edition) and I hope looking back it charts and records the history and activities within our organisation and worldwide. 2015 will be the BKK”s 50th Anniversary and we hope to celebrate this in many forms including a special publication to mark the event. This day would not be possible without the work and support of many people and there are numerous people and groups that work year on year within our organisation to ensure our tournaments success – my thanks to you all. A special mention to Crawely dojo for their work – particularly David Pickthall, April and Keith Mays, Alyse and Neil Madley. My final word of gratitude is offered to our fighters here today – without you we could not present a tournament of such a high standard and international reputation. Each year we see an increase in the number of fighters participating from outside the BKK and the IFK and I admit realistically that without your support and dedication this tournament would not be possible – and for that I am honoured to welcome you all here today. Enjoy your day here at K2 no matter what your purpose.

Liam Keaveney Editor

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Welcome To Our Tournament 37th British Open Knockdown Championships Incorporating the 5th Cup Of Europe Saturday 16th November 2013

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PORTER DE VERE & PAUL VARNEY IN ASSOCIATION WITH KOKORO WISH THE BKK EVERY SUCCESS AT THE 37th BRITISH OPEN 2013 AT K2 CRAWLEY.

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Welcome Messages

Hanshi Steve Arneil (10th Dan)

Shihan Liam Keaveney (7th Dan)

Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan)

President Of The BKK

Chairman Of The BKK

Cheif Referee Of The BKK

I would like to welcome you all to this our 37th Open National Knockdown Tournament here at K2. Each year this event always gives me a great sense of pride. As always I would like to thank all the officials and spectators who ensure we always have a successful tournament year after year. To all fighters here today, I wish you courage and success – I know the hard work you have undergone to compete here at our tournament. I would like thank all the referees, who do a remarkable job every year and also the BKK Chief Referee Shihan Alex Kerrigan (7th Dan) .

On behalf of the BKK Executive Committee I welcome all our fighters, officials, referees and spectators here to our 37th British Open Knockdown Tournament incorporating the Cup of Europe. As ever my heartfelt gratitude to the many fighters from home and abroad who support the BKK at this annual event – without your continued support the tournament would not the success it is.

Welcome to the 37th British Open Tournament and a big thank you to all the BKK and IFK officials who have come from many different countries to be here today - as they do every year. Their help and support is appreciated. Today I am sure you will see our referees and judges total dedication and enthusiasm as they display each year. The exceptional spirit of our fighters is again displayed each year and I am sure this year will be no exception.

The magazine reports on the IFK the 4th World Knockdown Tournament at K2 and my thanks to the many organisations that supported this event. My personal thanks to Shihan’s Liam Keaveney and David Pickthall together with Sensei Moss Ageli who did a tremendous amount of work to ensure such a successful World Tournament.

A personal thank you to Shihan David Pickthall who has worked relentlessly to ensure a truly “international” take up at this event and also for his suggestion that we open the novice event to fighters outside the BKK. A note of thanks to the many people who contribute to the days success and not least a personal note of thanks to our Medical Team and John Hunt who, year on year, do a remarkable and wonderful job, Shihan Alex Kerrigan (BKK Chief Referee), Shihan David Pickthall - who works relentlessly to promote our BKK and IFK Knockdown events

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We have been hosting this event for decades and we improve each year at some level and I am proud that I have contributed to the BKK’s success in my role as Chief Referee and I am honoured to support Hanshi Steve Arneil in the promotion of Kyokushin Karate. I have total confidence that the referees will be fair in all the decisions they will make, regardless of association or country, for that they have my utmost respect and gratitude.


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

www.bkk-crawley.co.uk

Instructors Shihan David Pickthall, Sensei Neil Madeley & Senpai Josh Mays Tuesday 1630-1730 Kyoku Fit Kids (Aged 5-10) Tuesday & Thursday 1800-1900 Juniors 1930-2100 Adults Wednesday - Beginners 1900-2030 Saturday - Tournament Preparation 11-1400

Proud To Support The BKK & IFK At The 37th British Open Knockdown Tournament

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INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF KARATE (KYOKUSHIN)

4th WORLD OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT INCORPORATING THE CADET WORLD TOURNAMENT

WELCOME TO OUR TOURNAMENT ONE WORLD - ONE KYOKUSHIN

The 4th IFK Adult & Cadet World Tournament Overview by Shihan Liam Keaveney 7th Dan

Pre publicity and design rested in the safe hands of Ollie Potter who did a tremendous job all round.

In 2011 the IFK had planned to hold the next World Tournament in Russia but unfortunately the Russian Organization felt they were unable to host this event and it was cancelled. The IFK approached various countries to pursue the possibility of them hosting the Tournament, including the BKK. However all countries felt they were unable to commit to this and as a result it was decided that the IFK would host the event itself and it would be held in the UK.

Thanks also to the Prince Mohammed Bin Talal (Patron of the International Federation of Karate), the British Karate Kyokushinkai and the Irish Karate Kyokushinkai for their individual financial support and Moss Ageli for his immeasurable help, guidance and support at many levels and without his contribution this World Tournament would not have been a possibility.

An Organizing Committee was established and this included: Hanshi Steve Arneil, David Pickthall, Liam Keaveney, Moss Ageli, Jane Charman and Ollie Potter. In addition assistance was provided by Ray Bond, Neil Madley, Keith Mays, April Mays, Alyse Madley, Jo Merth and Balwinder Singh.

David Pickthall, (IFK Vice President), played a pivotal role in coordinating and indeed attracting the many countries that participated. Jenny and Timo Grahl of Germany gave their time and expertise over many months to ensure the fighter’s draw and its innovative display. Jane Charman, Jo Merth, Paul Varney and Vicky Travers did an excellent job in coordinating the fighter’s pre tournament. Stewart Wright (Floor Manager) and his helpers provided brilliant support over the two days as did Jane Charman as Tournament Coordinator. Many people both from the BKK and IFK assisted over the two days to make the tournament as smooth running as possible and a special mention to Shane Lalor, Dave Dyas, Paul Baker, Andrea Staverou, Rob Smith and the many others who assisted. The tireless hard work of April and Keith Mays, Alyse and Neil Madley for many months leading up to the tournament was remarkable

Due to severe time constraints the committee had to fast track its plans and organization and it was indeed a hectic year of preparation but the end result was in all senses a terrific success. I would like to thanks the commercial companies that gave support to the IFK: These included: Team Frames, Champion Timber, Poster Boy, General Insurance Brokers, Hannah’s Picture Framing, Cherry Tree Pub, Gratel Signs, Goodman Electrical, Neil Madley Construction, DGS Repair Services, Buildbase (Crawley), Regiate Carpet Centre, Primal Fight Gear, Shinde A1 Limited, Florida Blue Skies, James Andrew International, Greenxpress, Euro Media Studios, Societe De La Tour Eiffel and Kyokushin UK Limited.

Shihan Liam Keaveney (IFK Secretary General) - Hanshi Steve Arneil (IFK President) - Shihan David Pickthall (IFK Vice President)

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Spencer Bennett

Kelly Balmer

Sergej Braun

Darren Stringer

Daniel Sanchez

The 4th IFK Adult & Cadet World Tournament 2013 Photo Archive

Johanna Rapp

Darren Chan

Alan Shnawa

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The 4th IFK Adult World Tournament

By Alan Davorak

Review

ippon with a spectacular roll kick in one of the knock outs of the day.

The K2 Arena in Crawley hosted the Kyokushin 4th IFK World Knockdown Tournament. Collectively, representing 38 countries, 220 fighters entered the two day event to compete in their respective weight categories, for the prestigious honour of becoming the IFK World Knockdown Champion. The K2 was teeming with spectators, eagerly anticipating the best knockdown fighters in the world to compete. The spectators, judges, officials, coaches and fighters all contributed to a highly accomplished tournament.

With some fighters having a bye in the first round, the last sixteen commenced with Britain’s Shnawa who won a tough victory by decision against Jafras. Three time Russian champion Mamro knocked out Apostolakis with a knee to the head and Senechal was again strong as he advanced past Dzhonkobilov. Britain’s Darren Stringer had a scrappy fight against Emmennegger and dropped his opponent with a body punch for waza ari in the second round. Krymov was again in menacing form as he gained a wazari for a body punch against Grof, and Venev survived two illegal face punches as he defeated Nekkab. Ukrainian Oleksyenko was too strong for Kim gaining the decision and Bennett again looked sharp as he gained a second round decision over Boux.

Day One Women’s Lightweight -60kg

The first day saw success for British fighter Emma Markwell as she easily defeated Germany’s Kassube by waza ari hiza geri jodan and Roxanne Nauth-Misir received a bye when Belgium’s De Borger had to withdraw before running into reigning IFK World Champion Maria Lepina where the Briton lost by an ippon after a flurry of body punches. Another Briton, Lisa Marie Heath, lost a close fight to Italy’s Elena Constanin and Russia’s Svetlana Berezova narrowly beat Hungary’s Leiter before having an easier fight against Rapp of Sweden.

Men’s Middleweight -80kg

The preliminary round started with Denmark’s Rassmussen defeating Bulgaria’s Damov and Britain’s Darren Chanagasubay easing into the next round with four flags in a second round decision against Hithie of France. Barmpoutis of Greece defeated Italian Pulcini and Sweden’s Eriksson earned the decision over Dane Andersen. Netherland’s Clijntes had a real battle against Poland’s Lamot before landing a super roll kick square on his opponent’s head to gain a superb ippon. The last fight saw the hugely experienced Sanchez of Spain calmly take an early onslaught from Poland’s Mikolaiczyk before dropping him twice with body punches in quick succession for wazari and ippon.

Anne Marie Jardine of Britain lost a close fight to Netherland’s Ly who then lost to the excellent Teona Gazdeliani of Spain. Priscilla Lambregste of the Netherlands defeated Salling of Denmark, and Sweden’s Cecila Wallin made up the last eight by beating Belgium’s Van der Linden.

Women’s Heavyweight +60kg

The last 32 began with Russian Champion Nazaretyan in complete control and earning two wazaris for body punches against Rassmussen. Hungarian Kovacs earned an ippon for a spinning back kick against Poland’s Luczynski. Another Pole, Odzeniak, looked strong and dropped Mosco of Uruguay with a powerful body shot. Britain’s Chanagasubay had a tough fight against Toth of Hungary but gained control as the fight went on and won with a waza ippon with punches. Germany’s Braun looked razor sharp as he downed Sam Stevens of Britain early on with a body punch and Barmpoutis won another scrappy fight against Pys of The Netherlands. Dutchman Broeders overpowered Albanian fighter Tusuni to get a first round decision and Spain’s Auge dropped Diaz of USA with a succession of well timed low kicks. Willeme of Belgium came out all guns blazing and steam rollered Eriksson with body punches for an ippon and Mahmoud Ageli of Great Britain did well to hang in against Russia’s Chmunevich, who got the victory with a second round decision. Clijntes earned a walk over as Karlsson from Sweden withdrew injured and the exciting Hungarian Zsiga was awarded a wazari for an excellent roll kick that found its target against Italian Villani. Henry of USA eased past Belgian Cavrios with a well timed knee to the body, and in a bizarre clash of heads Spaniard Alamo had to withdraw against Britian’s Dawid Ozga. Vaczi of Hungary was too strong for Switzerland’s Muller Sanchez earning a walk over to advance to the next round.

This was the most successful category for the British team with all four fighters making the final day. Lia Howlett beat Norway’s Skjelford, Kelly Balmer beat USA’s Porter, Samantha Williams beat Denmark’s Galatius Smith and Toyah Dyas defeated Israeli Yodla. Russia’s Irina Kriazheva had a hard fight and won via a split decision win over Ireland’s excellent Meskauskiene, as did Svetlana Tuchkova in defeating Poland’s Brzezicka. The remaining two fighters to make the last day were powerful Anita Bucher of Switzerland and, equally as impressive, Agata Kaliciak of Poland.

Men’s Lightweight -70kg

This category opened with Jafros of Hungary defeating Norway’s Knustad after three close rounds by a decision. Another third round decision gave victory to Apostolakis of Greece against Netherland’s Jokhoe. Senechal of France advanced past Sweden’s Karlsson, as did Dzhonkobilov of Uzebkistan after getting the decision against Polish fighter Klemen’s after three tight rounds. Swiss fighter Emmenegger earned a wazari against Hungarian Nemeth and former Russian Champion Krymov dismantled Belgian’s Lepelaar with body punches and knees to gain an ippon, while Bulgarian Venev beat Italy’s Milletti in a scrappy fight. The first British fighter of the category saw Welshman Leon Lund Regan get caught with a back kick early on that earned a wazari for France’s Nekkab which was enough to put him into the next round. A second win for Uzkebistan, as Kim defeated Denmark’s Hansen and Boux of France defeated Evlogiev of Bulgaria. The second British fighter of the category saw current British Open Champion Spencer Bennett in electric form as he picked off Norwegian Pettersen with powerful techniques before gaining an

The last 16 saw Kovacs put in a great display against Nazaretyan but the Russian got a second round decision. Chanagasubay fought an intelligent fight against the power of Odzeniak and advanced by the weight rule being five kilograms lighter after the fight was declared a draw. Another electric performance from

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Geza Toth against Darren Chan

Lia Howlett

The 4th IFK Adult & Cadet World Tournament 2013 Photo Archive

Dawid Ozga

Emma Markwell (R)

Sam Williams (R)

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unstoppable. Wallin changed her tactics to move more and nearly caught Lepina with two high kicks. The Russian continued her high pace attacking and won the fight on weight after the fight was declared a draw. Britains’ Emma Markwell showed an exhibition of great movement and counter attacking against Netherland’s Van Rijt, catching her with excellent punch and low kick combinations to really shock her opponent. The judges saw the domination and awarded a deserved first round decision to Markwell.

from Braun as he dropped Barmpoutis in quick time and Broeders versus Auge went the distance with the Dutchman Broeders getting a unanimous decision. Chmunevich wasted no time in dispatching Willeme with a well timed body punch and the ever improving Zsiga earned a wazari against Clijntes. Briton Ozga did well to hang on against the power of Henry but the powerful American deservedly got the decision in the second round. In the final fight of the day in this section Sanchez and Vazci went the distance in a war with Sanchez getting the flags.

The last four continued were the quarter finals left off as Gazdelaini and Berezova had a high pressure battle. With nothing to split the fighters after two rounds a third round was fought and the Russian advanced on a split decision. The second semi final of Markwell versus Lepina was a repeat of the 2012 and 2010 British open finals that saw each fighter with one win apiece. The same pattern emerged with Lepina attacking aggressively and Markwell picking off her opponent with combinations. The fight ended with a real scrap and Markwell coming close with a high kick. Unfortunately for the home fans a draw was awarded and the Russian advanced by the weight rule.

Men’s Heavyweight +80kg

In the preliminary rounds De Kok of the Netherlands lost to Pek of Slovakia and Switzerland’s Hofer earned a wazari against Nowacki. Kazakhstan’s Mozzerhin and Jacquot of France had a real battle with the Kazakhstani taking the decision. The last 32 saw Russian Champion Gorokhov dispatch Wasilewski with a wazari for a body punch and round house kicks to the ribs. Chilean Rios steam rollered Pek dropping him with first a powerful body punch and then a well placed knee to the solar plexus. Greek fighter Kypirtidis looked strong as he defeated Bulgaria’s Georgiev and, in a fight between two giants, the more experienced Palsson beat Hungarian Gigacz. De Raedt of Belgium looked impressive and gained a decision against Denmark’s Szegvary. Britain’s Sam Hunt did really well to turn round the fight against the tough Pole Dabrowski to get the decision. Hofer and Netherland’s Noordman went the full three rounds with the Dutchman going through on a split decision. American Haug weathered an early onslaught from Japan’s Fuji and advanced via the weight rule as the Japanese fighter tired. The other Russian fighter in the category looked equally as devastating as Mezhevstov battered Norwegian Junge to get a quick decision and Maras of USA looked sharp and earned a wazari against Bulgarian Dragiev. Britain’s Saied Hossini and Netherlands Van Beek were extremely well matched and the fight predictably went all the way with Van Beek edging the decision. Ireland’s King really took the fight to Mozzerhin but the Kazakhstan fighter won via the weight rule and German Rogge looked very strong downing France’s De Groote. Another Briton, Malcolm Scott, had a hard fight against Chile’s Ramos but gradually got on top and took the decision after three rounds. Pakistan’s Ali advanced against Hungarian Kiss. The last fight of the round saw Spainiard Tineo, fresh from his second place in last year’s Kyokushin Rengokai World Tournament in Japan, defeat a strong Cielsuk of Poland by decision in two rounds.

Emma Markwell was awarded third place as Spain’s Gazdeliani was unable to take to the tatami to fight and Maria Lepina won her second IFK world title as she defeated Berezova in four hard fought rounds.

Ladies Lightweight Podium

Women’s Heavyweight +60kg

Kriazheva took the fight to Lia Howlett from the start with the British fighter moving well to avoid the Russian’s strong low kicks and trying to hit with counter attacks. The second round continued in the same vain with the Russian again getting two flags and the fight continuing. Howlett came back into the fight in the final round but could not do enough to turn round the decision as the Russian was awarded the decision. Kelly Balmer took on Kalicak and avoided the Pole’s big punches and concentrated on picking her off with low kicks. The Polish fighter started to take control of the fight but Balmer turned it around as the Pole tired, and advanced via the weight rule after a draw was awarded. Toyah Dyas’ campaign ended abruptly against Tuchkova as the Russian caught the British fighter with a knee to the body to gain a wazari, and then shortly after a knee to the face that saw the British fighter hit the mat. In the last quarter final Bucher attacked Samantha Williams with a series of body punches that really drove Williams back. The second round continued in the same fashion as the fight developed into a real battle with Bucher again driving Williams back with strong body punches and Williams hanging in well. In the final round the Swiss fighter exerted her dominance and came close with a high kick and gained a unanimous decision.

Gorokhov and Rios opened the last 16 with Rios really taking the fight to the powerful Russian but he was unlucky not to get another round as the Russian was awarded the fight after two rounds. Kypirtidis and Palsson were well matched but Palsson edged it and advanced by the judges flags. De Raedt and Hunt had a real scrap, with De Raedt catching Hunt with multiple illegal techniques that downed the British fighter. As the fight went on the Belgian appeared stronger and gained an ippon to go through. Noordman caught Haug with a knee kick that landed square on the chin and dropped the American to see the Ducthman the second day. Mezhevstov looked immense as he powered past Maras earning a wazari and the strong and technical Mozzerhin again won on weight against Van Beek. Rogge looked very strong and was too much for British fighter Scott taking a second round decision. Tineo looked a class above dispatching Ali.

Day Two Day two moved to one raised mat in the centre of the arena that heightened the already exciting atmosphere and the men opened the day with the wood breaking (tameshiwari).

Balmer and Kriazheva was a very close fight but when the Russian exerted her power it persuaded the judges to award the decision. The second semi-final was a very close affair, as Bucher took on the much taller Tuchkova. After two hard rounds, and despite the height difference, Tuchkova advanced past the Russian fighter on the weight rule.

Women’s Lightweight -60kg

The first quarter final saw well matched Constantin of Italy and Russian Champion Berezova in a high tempo fight that went the distance with the Russian taking the decision three flags to one. Spain’s Gazdelaini and Netherland’s Lamgreste had a scrappy fight where the Spaniard always looked more comfortable but was unlucky not the get the decision after two rounds, being made to fight for another round where she deservedly got the decision. Sweden’s Wallin tried to keep the aggressive Lepina away but the Russian’s non-stop aggressive punching style was almost

In the third place fight off Switzerland’s Bucher overpowered a gallant Balmer to get four flags after one round and Tuchkova became the champion after a four round slog against fellow Russian Kriazheva in a battle of styles.

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Hungarian was unable to continue. Sanchez of Spain versus Henry of USA was the fight of the round with both fighters dishing out a huge amount of punishment. Henry used his knees well and Sanchez hit his opponent with some strong punches. A tight fight was predictably given a draw and Sanchez advanced by tameshiwari. In the semi finals, some excellent footwork saw Braun evade Nazaretyan’s attacks and hit on the counter, however the Russian eventually closed off the distance and dropped his opponent with a body punch for an ippon. Sanchez was trying to stop an all Russian final as he took on Chmunevich and the two had a real battle in the first round. Sanchez, who seemed aware he would lose the fight on weight, tried to step up his attacks on the Russian and was caught with a body punch for an ippon right at the end of the second round.

Men’s Lightweight -70kg

In the fight for third place, the hard fights of the last two days took their toll on Spain’s Sanchez as Germany’s Braun looked fresher and took the decision. A predictably tight final went the full four rounds as Chmunevich was awarded the flags over Nazaretyan on a split decision.

Ladies Heavyweight Podium

The quarter finals began with Shnawa against Russia’s Mamro and, after a tight opening, Mamro landed a perfect hiza geri to the ribs of Shnawa to drop him and gain an ippon. Stringer and Deschanel had a close fight, with Stringer advancing by tameshiwari results to put the British fighter in the semi finals. Krymov earned a quick waza ari against the Bulgarian Venev for a body punch as another Russian advanced. Bennett was attempting to make it two Russians and two Brits in the semi-finals, as he took on Oleyskenko. This was a high tempo fight with both fighters throwing flurries of techniques. Bennett got hit with a number of illegal techniques in the second round but advanced on boards after the fight was awarded a draw. In the semi finals Stringer took on Mamro who was almost a head taller. This worked to the Russian’s advantage as he kept coming in close and throwing a number of knees to the head of which a few caught Stringer. A gutsy performance from Stringer saw him hang in there and try and evade the Russian onslaught and counter with combinations but Mamro was awarded the decision after the second round. The second semi final was much the same as the first with Bennett trying to avoid the continuing pressure from the Russian Krymov, Bennett came back with a barrage of attacks but Krymov stepped up the pressure at the end of the round and was awarded the flags after a strong end to the round.

Mens Middleweight Podium

Men’s Heavyweight +80kg

Palsson dwarfed Gorokhov, but the Swede had no answer to the Russian’s immense power as he was dropped twice with blistering body punches for a wazari and and ippon. Belgian De Raedt and Noordman had a real scrap with both fighters giving their absolute all. A draw was awarded and Dutchman Noordman advanced on boards. The powerful Mezhevstov defeated the technical Kazakhstani Mozzerhin in one round and Spain’s Tineo wasted no time in dispatching the dangerous German Rogge as he landed a perfectly timed knee to the body for an ippon early in the fight.

An all British fight off for third place was one of the fights of the day, as England took on Wales with Stringer versus Bennett. The fight was fought at close quarters with both fighters throwing many combinations and giving as well as taking a lot of punishment. Stringer started to land a few more techniques than his opponent and was awarded the flags at the end of the second round. A see sawing all Russian final looked like going the distance before Krymov knocked Mamro out with an illegal face punch that earned him a disqualification and Mamro the world title.

Noordman had taken as much punishment as anyone over the last two days and this hampered him hugely against Gorokhov, as the Russian gained two wazaris in quick succession to book a place in the final. Tineo versus Mezhevstov saw two of the best fighters of the tournament square off. The fight was very technical and fought at close quarters with neither fighter giving an inch. Both rounds were even and after a draw was awarded, Mezhevstov won by tameshiwari.

Mens Lightweight Podium

Men’s Middleweight -80kg

Darren Chanagasubay’s fights from the first day caught up with him and he was caught with a body punch for an ippon by the Russian Nazaretyan in the first quarter final. Dutchman Broeders withdrew injured so Germany’s Braun advanced. Zsiga vs Chmunevich had the makings of a great fight. Zsiga with his excellent movement and spectacular techniques tried to avoid the Russian as he stalked him, but Chmunevich landed a powerful body punch and the

Mens Heavyweight Podium

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Shihan Warden & da Costa

Lia, Sam & Kelly

The 4th IFK Adult & Cadet World Tournament 2013

Photo Archive

Alexi Gorokhov

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AMPLIFICATION

LANGNEY RD, EASTBOURNE, BN21 3JN

www.bonners.co.uk 01323 639335

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Team IFK Great Britain Adult Trophy Haul

Spaniard Tineo took third place as Noordman was unable to fight and the two Russian battering rams took each other on in the final. Mezhevstov stalked the more technical Gorokhov, who tried to land knock out techniques with kicks while Mezhevstov mainly relied on body punches. This pattern continued as the first two rounds were given all square. As the third round progressed Mezhevstov appeared stronger as the fight went on and was throwing and landing more techniques and took the decision to his delight at the end of the third round and Alexei Mezhevstov became a very worthy IFK World Champion.

Tameshiwari Award: Alexey Mezhevtsov

With Alexey Mezhevtsov taking the Tameshiwari award with 18 boards (Shuto, Enpi, Seiken), the Most Spirited Fighter was awarded to Anita Bucher of Switzerland (IFK), Sergej Braun of Germany (Kyokushinkan) taking the Fastest Knockout award and rounding up the special awards was Darren Stringer of Great Britain (IFK) with the Best Technique award.

Fastest Knockout Award: Sergej Braun

Best Technician Award: Darren Stringer

Spirited Fighter Award: Anita Bucher

Team IFK Great Britain Pre Tournament

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The 4th IFK Cadet World Tournament

By Shihan Andrew Turner

Review

This was my second World Tournament as the GB Coach, and Sensei John as assistant coach, both of us having gained some valuable experience from the last World Tournament. We had some idea’s of what to expect, especially from the favourites, the Russians. With that in mind at squad sessions myself and Sensei John made sure the cadets trained very hard. We were both determined to make them fit and strong and not frightened to fight the more experienced European fighters.

was a lot lighter. Hayley did not hold back and although Kseniia was stronger Hayley moved around the mat and fought back to gain a draw in both rounds and making her the winner by weight and our first cadet finalist. A great achievement and one that we should all learn by that the Russians can be beaten.

Finals Girls Under 58kg

Hayley Rowlands v Hilde Wilborts Holland Hayley had given everything in the semi finals and just didn’t have anything left. Hilde is a very strong Dutch fighter and gained the referees decision and the World title. Hayley gaining a very well deserved and credible second place.

Preparations began at the end of 2012 with some of the squad competing in the Belgium and Bulgarian Youth championships - it’s very important that our young fighters get mat time. On the Friday the Cadet fighters weighed in with no problems.

I am extremely proud of every single member of the Great Britain Squad they trained really hard with no complaining. They gave up their spare time to train and do exams, and they were a joy to teach and coach.

On the day of the tournament there was an air of excitement and nervousness throughout the team. I got them all together for an “encouragement chat” and met up with the adult team for photos.

Our juniors and cadets are our future. It was so nice to see the adult team with young up and coming fighters - all who have come from our juniors and cadets. There are exciting times coming you only have to look at the quality we have in our cadets at present.

Standing waiting to be led out onto the arena is always a proud moment and I always feel a bit emotional but the team had trained extremely hard and were ready. The Cadets showed that they can compete with more experienced fighters. Most of the other countries start fighting when they are 10/12 years old but our children can’t start until they’re 16 which is quite an advantage to the other fighters.

The Great Britain Cadets

Girls under 58 kg Hayley Rowlands Girls Over 58kg Yusmin Khan Boys Under 68kg Josh Mays, Stuart Lee, Marco Morreale and Kharug Singh Cheema Boys Under 78kg Jordan Prescott and Blake Collins Boys Over 78kg Charlie Webster and Santokh Singh Cheema All the cadets fought really well and they are all a credit to the BKK, their Dojos, instructors and their families. Hayley, Josh, Stuart, Marco and Blake made it to the quarter finals beating some very hard fighters in the early rounds.

Quarter Finals

In the girls under 58kg Hayley Rowlands beat Pamela Boot from Holland to reach the semi finals against one of the Russian favourites’ Ksenia Doronina.In the boys under 68kg Josh Mays fought a very strong Swedish lad, Jonas Rosin and although it’s the best I’ve seen Josh fight he lost on decision. Stuart Lee fought the eventual finalist from Russia, Nikita Torfimov. Stuart started really well but lost the fight on a wazari. Marco Morreale had an excellent fight with Florian Zurfluh from Switzerland beating him by decision and reaching the semi finals against Nikita Torfimov. In the boys under 78kg Blake Collins fought Mateusz Szablan from Kyokushinkaikan GB. Blake has improved tremendously over the past year and had an excellent fight against Mateusz and won the judges decision and a place in the semi finals.

Team IFK Great Britain Cadet Trophy Haul

Semi Finals

In the last World Tournament in the Cadets we gained three 3rd places and this year we had that number of fighters in the semi finals, Both myself and Sensei John were very excited at the possibility of getting at least one of the squad in the final. In the boys under 68kg Marco Morreale fought Russian Nikita Torfimov and although they were evenly matched Nikita was a little bit stronger and won on decision. Saying that Marco fought brilliantly and has some fantastic techniques he will, I am sure, become a champion in the future as I hope all the cadets will.

Spirited Fighter Award: Jonas Rosin

In the boys under 78kg Blake Collins fought Vladimir Spitsyn. Blake was determined to beat the Russian and started the fight really strong unfortunately he got caught with an excellent kick and eventually Vladimir won. In the semi finals of the girls under 58kg Hayley Rowlands fought Ksenia Doronina from Russia. This was a fantastic fight that had both myself and Sensei John screaming our heads off for Hayley to stay with the Russian as we knew Hayley

Fastest Knockout Award: Evgenii Diachenko

Best Technique Award: Vladimir Spitsyn

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Shihan Andrew Turner & Blake Collins

Cadet Girls Lightweight Podium

Jordan Prescott

Blacke Collins (L)

Cadet Girls Heavyweight Podium

Jonas Rosin

Cadet Boys Lightweight Podium

Stuart Lee (R)

Hayley Rowlands (R)

Marco Morreale

Cadet Boys Middleweight Podium

Cadet Boys Heabyweight Podium

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The 4th IFK World Tournament Adult & Cadet Results 6&7th April 2013, K2, Crawley, UK Men Lightweight -70kg

Ladies Lightweight -60kg

Cadet Boys Heavyweight +78kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Yevgeniy Mamro (Russia) Artur Krymov (Russia) Darren Stringer (Great Britain) Spencer Bennett (Great Britain) Alan Shnawa (Great Britain) Mladen Venev (Bulgaria) Anthony Senechal (France) Vladyslav Oleksenko (Ukraine)

Maria Lepina (Russia) Svetlana Berezova (Russia) Emma Markwell (Great Britain) Teona Gazdeliani (Spain) Cecilla Wallin (Sweden) Elena Constantin (Italy) Stephanie van de Rijt (Holland) Priscilla Lambregste (Holland)

Men Middleweight -80kg

Ladies Heavyweight +60kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th:

Sergey Chmunevich (Russia) Artem Nazaretyan (Russia) Sergey Braun (Germany) Daniel Sanchez (Spain) Zsolt Zsiga (Hungary) Darren Chan (Great Britain) Robert Broeders (Holland) Claibourne Henry (USA)

Svetlana Tuchkova (Russia) Irina Kriazheva (Russia) Anita Bucher (Switzerland) Kelly Balmer (Great Britain) Toyah Dyas (Great Britain) Lia Howlett (Great Britain) Sam Williams (Great Britain) Agata Kaliciak (Poland)

Men Heavyweight +80kg

Cadet Boys Lightweight -68kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Alexei Mezhevtsov (Russia) Alexei Gorokhov (Russia) Jonathan Tineo (Spain) Roel Noordman (Holland) Viktor Mozzherin (Kazakhstan) Simon Palsson (Sweden) Enrico Rogge (Germany) Peter De Raedt (Belguim)

Maxim Krasnov (Russia) Nikita Torfimov (Russia) Marco Morreale (Great Britain) Jonas Rosin (Sweden)

Stanislav Mezhevtsov (Russia) Evgenii Diachenko (Russia) Hristo Ilieav (Bulgaria) Louis Bax (Holland)

Cadet Girls Lightweight -58kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Hilda Wilborts (Holland) Hayley Rowlands (Great Britain) Kseniia Doronina (Russia) Shanty Jacobs (Belgium)

Cadet Girls Heavyweight +58kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Maria Tsvigunova (Russia) Maria Papadopoulou (Greece) Anke Spitaels (Belgium) Elise Notele (Belgium

Special Cadet Awards Spirited Fighter: Jonas Rosin (Sweden) Fastest Knockout: Evgenii Diachenko (Russia) Best Technique: Vladimir Spitsyn (Russia)

Cadet Boys Middleweight -78kg

Special Adult Awards

1st: Victor Kochergin (Russia) 2nd: Vladimir Spitsyn (Russia) 3rd: Blake Collins (Great Britain) 3rd: Konstantinios Machairopoulos (Greece)

Tameshiwari: Alexey Mezhevtsov (Russia) Spirited Fighter: Anita Bucher (Switzerland) Fastest Knockout: Sergej Braun (Germany) Best Technique: Darren Stringer (Great Britain)

For All Your Insurance Needs

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The BKK wishes to thank

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

IFK International News & Round Up www.ifk-kyokushin.com IFK New Members & Reps The IFK has had Turkey join the IFK recently with a group of around 18 dojos from Kyokushin and Ashihara, they held their first camp in Bursa in August. Saffron Walden instructor Ismail Yildirim helped, organised, translated and taught at the camp and the fighters also had the pleasure of a session with Almira Isanbayea from Russia. Romania has also joined the IFK, Senpai Christian Hirsch started Kyokushin in 1991 and holds the rank of Nidan which he achieved in 2008. Armenia has a new representative Minas Pogosyan and about 5 dojos in the capital Yerevan. Minas is an international judge and was part of the all Armenia team in Sofia for the KWU World Tournament. Greece hosted their Summer Camp under the instruction of Shihan David Pickthall on the island of Thassos. Sri Lanka had seminar with Shihan Eddy Gabathuler of Switzerland and also welcomed Roxanne Nauth Misir on her travels around the island. Newly promoted Shodan Miguel Romano visited Mauritius and representative Nazir Khan Hossen in August and helped with a couple of sessions for this new IFK country. Hanshi on his many travels went to USA for their summer camp and whilst there was taken up to Toronto to the Canadian representative for a seminar. Shihan Felix Ntumazah taught camps in both Kuwait and Norway which were both very well received. The IFK are pleased to welcome Sensei Ganesh Lal Kakshapati to the IFK as the representative of Nepal. Ganesh has joined the IFK and is head of the Nepal Republican Kyokushin Karate Association. Ganesh started Kyokushin in 1995 and is a qualified national coach in both Kyokushin and Muay Thai and is based in Tripureshor Kathmandu. Shihan David Pickthall was invited as a guest to the Shinkyokushin World Cup in Lithuania along with KWU secretary general Sergey Suvorov.

Shihan Alex Kerrigan awarded 7th dan

Shihan Liam Keaveney awarded 7th dan

Minas Pogosyan of IFK Armenia

Sampath Lasantha of IFK Sri Lanka

Shihan Etienne van Holt of Belgium Awarded 5th Dan

Shihan Omer Salih Cengiz of IFK Turkey

Ganesh Lal Kakshapati of IFK Nepal

Shihan Pickthall & Shihan Midori at the Shinkyokushin World Cup

IFK Dan Promotions

Shihan’s Alex Kerrigan & Liam Keaveney were awarded the grade of 7th Dan by Hanshi Steve Arneil, also promoted to Shihan and the grade of 5th Dan was Etienne van Holt of Belgium. BKK Senpai Ray Pearson who was promoted to 3rd dan and the title of Sensei after over 45 years of dedication to Kyokushin Karate. Sensei Moss Ageli, who was promoted to 4th Dan by Hanshi Steve Arneil at Sensei Ageli joined the BKK in Hastings, East Sussex in 1972 and 40 years on is now teaching at BKK Milton Keynes. Sensei Sunil Tailor who was promoted to 4th Dan.

Ray Pearsons Receives His 3rd Dan

Christian Hirsch of IFK Romania

IFK Turkey Summercamp

Senpai Miguel with IFK Mauritius

Shihan Eddy with IFK Sri Lanka

Sensei Moss Ageli 4th Dan

Sensei Sunil Taylor 4th Dan

Hanshi with IFK Canada & USA

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Shihan Felix with IFK Kuwait


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Hastings & Bexhill Kyokushin Karate Club wish the BKK every success for their 37th British Open Knockdown Tournament www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 22


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

“Now you know how you feel about getting your Black Belt” BKK Summercamp 2013

By Senpai Miguel Ramano

“That’s it for the ones who have passed their Shodans”. My name hadn’t been called. I put on a brave face. My friend Hristo turned around to convey his support. Ollie Potter (only there to take pics and make fun of other people and not to actually train himself) looked at me as if to say “sorry mate”. As much as I tried to put on a brave face and tried to tell myself that I had done my best, that I had tried my hardest and there was nothing much I can do now that I had failed, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t crying inside. Disastrous, calamitous, heartbreak, anger and fury just about cover it. Then I heard it loud and clear: “Miguel Ramano”. In a split of second I went from all the above to elation and relief. It’s funny how the human brain (or heart) works sometimes. Afterwards, I would ask Shihan Liam if the “mistake” was intentional (I know it was!). He ‘denied’ it, with a grin that only him is capable of and then said. “Now you know how you feel about getting your black belt”. As hard as it is for me to admit, he was right.

5.35am, I’m under one of the big trees waiting for the rest of camp to turn up. I’m pleased to see that I’m not the only who had taken the “get up stupidly early and leave your room stupidly early so that you are not late” route, since 10 mins after I’m there, I’m joined by someone else who is taking their shodan grading and few a minutes later by someone taking their Nidan. Apparently an important part of your routine for people who are grading, consists of getting as less sleep as you humanly can. So the theory goes.

For those of you, who’ve never been to camp before and are planning to do so via public transport, please make sure you plan your journey well in advance and make sure you have kind friends like Lia Howlett who can give you a lift. In your google search, you might think the nearest station to camp is Great Dunmow. It was, up to August 1961 that is! But that’s enough geography lessons for you. So here I am in my room, going through the BKK syllabus in my head and listening to what I think is relaxing music, “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden. I’m telling myself I’m confident and prepared physically and mentally, but doubts creep in after every positive thought. So much so for positive thinking hey?! I just want it to be over. I try to visualise the grading, but all I do is mentally mess up my kata, my kihon and my renrakus. How hard can it be? I’ve graded 10 times before.

“Line up!”. This is it, it’s too late to back out now. I will give everything I possibly can. After the people going for their Sandan, kindly take us through the warm up. We go through Takyoku Sono Ichi . I can’t remember if I was actually breathing through that first kata. I don’t think anyone was, even though that’s the one thing that Shihan Liam had specifically reminded us to do while performing our katas. Sometimes you just miss the obvious. After the first kata, we go straight to Takyoku Sono Ni. ‘This is easy’ I said to myself, 12 more katas and we are done. To paraphrase a famous saying ‘don’t count your katas until you’ve done them about 3 to 4 times each’. On grading day, Hanshi could ask you do to do one kata several times. The newly promoted Sandans would go through Sushiho about three times. They assure me there was some breathing involved at some point. Every move is scrutinised and every move I think I’m doing wrong. I try my very best to remember all the things that my Sensei Savio Santimano had asked me to do and in the grading I try my hardest to actually not do any of them. At this point, it is worth mentioning, that your Kata, is arguably the most important part of your grading. If your kata is not good enough, prepare yourself to fail. And do not just practise them in preparation for your grading, practise them all the time. Period. This hit home, when I saw the people going for Sandans do their ‘own’ kata. Hanshi said after, that he never sees any flaws in these katas, since they are exactly that; their own katas. Practice the katas, as if they were your own. 100% on each technique. 100% on each stance. 100% on each movement. Being the ever optimist that I am, after the first kata session, with all the above in mind, I tell myself that I haven’t been good enough, even though everything is sort of blurry at this point. I’ve felt more confident after my Land Law exams. Was I experiencing the usual “this is not good enough” Kyokushin attitude or have I actually messed up everything I’ve worked on in the last 5 years? No time to dwell on this, I still have a second grading session (fitness, padwork, fighting, renrakus) to go through. Shihan Liam had told us to not even think about giving up. You are not there to give up, you are there to take the belt you think you deserve, (although after the katas, I felt I deserved to be demoted). Before the second session, we are treated to a sumptuous lunch of overcooked and undercooked (for some) steak, beans, potatoes and a very dry chocolate cake. The health nut that I am would happily go through all of this.

Shihan Liam takes the ‘gradees’ through a couple of katas, to prepare us a bit. I think I’m feeling better but then as I’m going through the moves, I have a quick glance around me and disaster; the others are going through their katas as if their lives depended on it. They loo k sharp, fast, fit and ready: everything that at this specific point at camp, I think I’m not. This is only an hour before the first grading session.

Wednesday afternoon, first session. I’m still haunted by the memories of me singing in front of everyone and becoming bearer of the feather, on my first ever session at camp in 2011. Here I am, in the line up hoping that I don’t get picked on. I don’t. Relief. Hanshi goes through the usual protocol and we are up and running. No rest for the wicked: Ibuki push ups, finger push ups, all techniques in “Go” (five times) and the now infamous 10th kyu syllabus in Taikyoku. For those who attended camp in 2013, I have no doubt in my mind that you all suffered on that last part (unless you are some kind of freak of nature) -10th kyu syllabus, each technique 5 times, and a Taikyoku shaped kata for each technique. So 1st kata, Jodan Morote tsuki 5 times on each step, and then chudan, gedan and so on. By the end of it, you wish it was the last day of camp (at least I did). I have to admit that the first session had pretty much destroyed my confidence. My stances had felt wobbly, my striking techniques felt weak, I was tired mentally and physically and I went back to my room pretty much feeling that my karate needed drastic improvements. The sort of thinking you need a day before your Shodan grading.

“Ichi ni san shi go roku shichi hachi kyuu juu .. Why is this so difficult?” I thought to myself halfway through my target of 70 pushups. Like any Kyokushin practitioner, I’m used to doing pushups. In your dojo, you do pushups for fun (although we tend to have a different concept of what fun actually is). Like many others grading with me, I had read’s Shihan Liam’s piece about Kyokushin grading. I don’t remember the exact quote but it goes something along those lines, “if you are required to do 60 pushups, make sure you can do a 100”. Same for your stomach pulls. So you train them and you train some more, and when you can’t go on anymore, you train even harder. However, you are not prepared for how they do pushups or stomach pulls at grading camp. Between the Ichi and the Ni, it feels likes a whole day has gone by. Here’s one piece of advice. If you are used to flying through your pushups, it’s all well and good, but make sure you can do them slowly as well. At grading, you will find that not everyone has the same concept of what ‘one second’ is. And you surely don’t want to catch the eye of Hanshi while you are

It is 330am when I looked at my watch on that Thursday morning. Between 10pm and 330am I had woken up every hour or so. To say I wasn’t nervous, would be lying. I have to be on the training pitch at 630 for the first session. Hanshi had asked everyone (even those who were grading) to attend the first session. Grading is at 830. So in my head, 330 is a reasonable time to start getting ready. I don’t want to be late now do I? So I’m in my Gi by 4 and I tell myself that I will be out of the dorms to by 530, because you know; it takes about an hour to walk to the training pitch. It doesn’t, it takes about 5 mins if you are crawling there that is. Between getting ready and getting out of the room, I will go through the syllabus again, because this is sort of thing the reasonable person does at this ungodly hour. So at

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struggling, halfway through your 150 stomach pulls, as happened to me on grading day. There you have it, my moment of glory. The one time, I made eye contact with Hanshi during grading, was when I was barely pulling my upper body up during the stomach pull count. I was struggling. He caught me struggling. He pointed at me as if to say “Oh, so you can’t do stomach pulls, what a shame. You won’t pass” and made a note of my struggle on his grading marks pad. Talk about kicking a man when he is down. Needless to say, the earth opened up at this point and I was down in the abyss. Remarkably, I didn’t give up and for some reason it pushed me. I remembered that I was there to take that belt. Ironically, it was that moment of weakness that made me fly through the pad work and the rest of the grading. Everything felt easier.

consumed. Highlight of the party, was perhaps Shinans David and Nick performing their version of Gangnam style; two words “Oh dear”! Camp would not be camp, if you don’t make new friends and reconnect with old friends. I was very happy to see my good friend from Staines Tigers dojo; HiroKohana. Well done on your nidan, you deserve it. To my new friends, the Welsh contingent Gareth Rowlands, Wayne Sullivan, Joseph Davies, Roger Styles et al. Well done on your respective grades and it has to be said that you probably all deserve a Yondan for your drinking at the Sayonara party. To the Derby connection, Andy Rothertham and Jamie Ward Rothertham, well done on your grading, although you could do with less posh surnames. To the Westcroft peeps, very nice meeting you and well done on your grades (I actually only remember Johnny Tang’s name so apologies if ive missed the rest). You guys were brilliant. You made camp easier. And to the rest, thank you. I can’t finish this fine piece of literature, without a special mention to the people in my Haringey dojo. Sensei Savio Santimano has been instrumental in the run up to my grading. Meticulous to a tee (some would say to the point of annoyance), he took me through all my kihon, my katas, renrakus and my conditioning with patience and dedication (and god knows he needed patience). I cannot thank you enough. And to all the other people in my dojo who stuck by me one way or another Joe, Ben, Patrick, Alex, Sam, Marcel, Hristo, Nick, Simon, Gregory, Kashi and Rupesh. Thank you.

Grading over. Two more days to go. You don’t go to camp and not try to enjoy it. And by enjoying it, I mean you can’t go to camp and miss a session at the local. Thursday night after grading was brutal. I only had three pints and I was out. Hiro, my brother in arms was there to show support during the drinking session but not after. Friday was perhaps the most difficult day at camp. In fact, Shihan Liam had kindly told us on Friday morning, “Today will be the hardest day”. All of a sudden, it felt that my drinking the night before was a bad idea. Post-mortem of grading in the morning, and everyone who felt confident after grading now felt as if they were back to square one. Here’s an idea, if you need a confidence boost as to how good your karate is, do not go and ask Shihan Alex or Liam for advice, they will tear your knowledge apart. If you think your Sanchin dachi is good, Shihan Alex would make you feel as if you are standing on marbles. If you think you know your bunkai, Shihan Liam will make sure you are brought back to earth (literally, as I found out a few times during a few of his demos). Hanshi will then take us through 10th kyu in Taikyoku again, this time moving from Zenkutsu, to Sanchin, to Kokutsu, and Kiba dachi on each strike (again in “Go” and I thought the first day was hard, suddenly I found myself wishing I was back in grading!). If there is one word that resonated in my head over and over again, it was ‘humility’. Everything we learned: the 10th kyu syllabus in Takyoku, the Ibuki pushups, the breathing techniques, the combos, re-learning your stances and the popular grappling sessions with Sensei Andrea Stoppa – was a humbling experience. One thing you realise at camp, is how much you need to improve your art in general and to be humble as to what you know and to leave your arrogance and ego behind.

Senpai Miguel Carlos Romano with Hanshi

To Samantha Williams (whose habit of knowing every single thing in the BKK syllabus is annoying) and Ollie Potter with whom over the years I’ve perfected my bantering skills, thank you both.

And then the final session at camp, which started well with Marco and Josh, running through the line up (without GI trousers it must be said) and getting belted as they do so. Another concept which does not get mentioned enough in Kyokushin, “Do not turn up late for your training session”. After a series of combos on the pads, where you arms and legs feel like jelly, what else can you do but have a good old sparring session. This was the fun bit. By fun, I mean bruises, deadlegs, cut lips (thanks Lia), bloodied noses, kick to the head and slaps (oh yes!). A good adrenaline rush, before we are all asked to sit down and watch the people going for Sandans perform their respective katas. Solemn as these moments normally are, no one could help but giggle when Roger Styles, while describing his Kata, mistook the word “importance” for “impotence”. Easy mistake to make. Yes camp can get quite juvenile sometimes.

To my very patient and supportive girlfriend, thank you (at least you’ve managed to go through a number of ‘Revenge’ marathons when I was away training or at camp and no I don’t want to start watching it). To my parents, thank you and well done for having such a wonderful son. To the Nobel Prize committee, please think of me when you finally introduce a Nobel Prize for Worst Jokes. One final word, my grading experience was everything I thought it would be. Physically and mentally tiring. However, nothing prepares you for the intensity of it, the heat in the big hall, the level of dehydration or for the looks Hanshi gives you when you do something wrong. One thing I know for certain, I would not have passed had I not put in the work in the last few years. Remember grading is only one day in your karate career. The rest of it is where the work is actually done. My shodan has made me realised this. You strive everyday and you have to strive even harder the higher you get. The one way for me to respect the belt I earned is to now work harder than before, in humility and modesty. Had I failed my grading, I would have been disappointed, no question about it. However, what you learn in Kyokushin, is to fight through adversity, to come back when you are pushed, to get up when you fall and most importantly to never give up on your values of humility, dedication, modesty and selflessness in your quest to get better. Needless to say, this applies not only to karate, but to all aspects of life.

And then the dreaded moment, the actual grading results. This felt like an eternity, especially when your name gets called last in the Shodans or worst you are led to believe that you haven’t passed. Anyway, on receipt of my BKK license, Hanshi told me: “You’ve worked very hard, you’ve certainly sweated more than most of us here, I am now promoting you to Shodan”. Summercamp banter never stops apparently. At the Sayonara Party, as expected there was a lot of beverages

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BKK & IFK Ireland

Leon Lundregan (L) & Genki Of Japan

BKK & IFK Ireland

The 1st KWU World Tournament Review Photo Archive

Shihan Alex Kerrigan

Artur Tilov

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The 1st KWU World Tournament

By Ollie Potter

Review, 5th & 6th October 2013, Sofia, Bulgaria

Day 1

On the 4th to the 6th of October 2013, the imposing 12,373 seat Armeec Arena played host to the 1st KWU World Tournament (Weight Category’s) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Saturday arrived, the preliminary fights started on the button as per the schedule, due to a few visa issues with certain countries a few GB fighters, were awarded bi’s in the first round. The action got fully under way with Dawid Ozga first up in the -75 category against Mehran Abbaspour of Canada, the first round started slow as they both tested each other with various combinations. Dawid then taking the advantage and upping his levels trying all sorts of techniques, which was a surprise for his opponent as Dawid dropped him for wasari with a ushiro geri, with only moments left on the clock his opponent wasn’t able to get the point back and Dawid was declared the winner.

This was a first of its kind under the KWU banner and their motto of “time to be united” was very apparent for all to see across the weekend, more on this later.

Spencer Bennett fighting in the -70 category was up next fighting Meisam Addolmohammadi of Australia. Spencer took the fight to his opponent from the off, both trading and moving throughout the first round with Spencer slightly on top, a draw was awarded. The 2nd round was much the same and in the Judges eyes the Australian did just a little bit more and was awarded 4 flags at the end of round 2. Darren Stringer in the -65 category against Faig Nasirov of Azerbaijan was next and after feeling his opponent out for a while Darren started to up his work rate with his trademark combinations, but neither did enough to convince the judges in the first round. Darren came out faster in the 2nd picking his shots and moving and as his opponent started to fade in the second half of the round Darren again upped his work rate whilst still looking for a knockout. The timer ran out and the Judges awarded Darren the fight with 4 flags.

Although this was a unified event Hanshi Arneil has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the effort made by all participating countries to make sure the IFK was represented in this event. Sometimes there were difficulties with building united teams but with the persistence and the ability of the IFK representatives to see beyond their own political struggles in their countries for the good of the KWU organisation and the future for our young sports men and women, incredible efforts were made.

Kelly Balmer was the first of the BKK Ladies up, fighting in the -65 category against Biyik Hulya of Turkey. On top from the start it only took Kelly just over a minute to be awarded a wasari for body punches. The clock ticked down and Kelly was awarded the win to move in to the second day’s semi-final.

The IFK were represented at both competitor and judging levels by a total of 19 countries. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Great Britain, Kuwait, Iran, Ireland, Lebanon, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and USA. The official hotel was the best in the Sofia, and upon arriving finding that Sylvester Stallone had hired 2 floors whilst filming Expendables 3, threw the arrival of all the competitors trying to check in in to chaos. Some people having to change rooms numerous times, but by the evening all was settled and the usual, “is he/she in my category?”, “Oh my god! Look how big they look?” Could be heard being muttered as opposing fighters passed each other. Spencer Bennett was having none of this and went on one of his many adventures to fulfil a childhood dream and get a photo with Sly Stallone or Dolph Lungdren, after being warned by security twice; Spencer gave up the chase (for now) and went to bed.

Emma Markwell up next in the -60 category against Filipa Hofer of Croatia and came out the blocks fast throwing from what I can remember every combination in the book. Her opponent was duly game and continued to take the fight to Emma. As the fight wore on the inside low kicks and shita tsukis of Emma were clearly taking effect and as she forced her opponent back the judges decided she was the winner 5-0. She then moved onto the 2nd day semi finals.

The weigh in arrived the next day, all IFK & Kyokusinkan GB fighters made their weight without any trouble and everybody then seemed to disperse to do their own thing. A few more GB supporters arrived, Wife’s and Girlfriends etc, all greeted by their partners with hugs and kisses, not for Spencer Bennett though, upon seeing his wife arriving in the hotel he also noticed that Sly Stallone was walking through the lobby and made a bee line for him for his photo, but as usual his security stepped in and another opportunity missed and some serious making up to his wife prevailed.

Samantha Williams was then up in the +65 category against Beatriz Prades of Spain, now Sam goes by many a title, most notably Super Senpai Sam, but today was the return of Angry Sam not seen since the British Open of 2012, from the off Sam taking it to her opponent and completely overwhelming

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

her with good punching and inside and out side kick combinations, as Sam backed away and drew her opponent in she threw a Do Mawashi which was slightly miss timed and missed her opponent. Sam was awarded 4 flags and advance to the 2nd day along with Kelly & Emma.

Sam Williams was again in the mood for a quick fight and roared out against Desiree Radushin of South Africa. It looked very much like she would gain a waza ari and to her credit the African girl dug in in the last 30 and came back slightly but Sam was comfortably awarded wasari for inside low kick and took all the judges flags 5-0 to give GB to hopes of the title.

In the -60kg Leon had received a bye due to his opponent’s no-show so was up against one of the pre event favourites from the host country Dilyan Nikolov. The Bulgarian started well but Leon was also right in the fight so it was a bit of a surprise when 2 judges went for the Bulgarian at the end of the first round. The referee saw a draw and Leon took the imitative. Realising the judges liked workrate he poured on techniques and took the decision at the end of the first extension moving into the second day.

Finals Women -55kg Natallia Seliukova (Belarus) v Svetlana Berezosa (Russia) In what was a tense affair with both fighters taking slight advantages but in the end Berezova was too strong for Selikova and won by decision. Women -60 kg Emma Markwell (Great Britain) v Anna Efremova (Russia), Great Britain’s first chance of a world title was agonisingly close in a tough battle that saw neither fighter give the other advantages. The first round saw Efremova try to dominate with strong punches but Markwell used good movement and blocking to counter and score with strong kicks. Round 2 saw the pace heat up and both fighters tried a roll kick but neither were successful, one judge gave to Efremova and the rest a draw so they moved into the enchosen. Markwell stepped up the pace and was clearly trying the knockout techniques throwing axe kicks, jodan mae geri and hit the Russian with a roll kick but Efremova kept to her plan of punching with the occasional low kick. At the end of the round 2 judges gave to Efremova and a judge and the referee gave to Markwell. Unfortunately one judge made an error and gave draw. After consultation with head judge Fuku Kancho Hiroshige it was decided to fight an extra round.

Darren was next up fighting Andrej Marmysh of Belarus and the fight followed a similar pattern to his first with movement and single or double shot replies. Round one finished hikiwake and the 2nd round was a carbon copy of the first. This time 1 judge favoured the Belarussian and 4 draws. The final extension took place and Darren continued his tactic with Marmysh moving forward all the time and not many scoring techniques landing the judges all liked the more aggressive style of his opponent and he was awarded the flags 5-0. Dawid was then up again against Jon Garagalza of Spain. and early on took a private warning for a push when the fighters just came together. He then did a straight attack to the thigh and the referee penalised him Chui ichi. For the rest of the fight he was in control scoring with Ushiro geri, axe kicks and punches. In the dying seconds he drove his opponent out of the area with punches and clipped the arm of Garagala which then hit him in the face. The referee awarded a genten ichi against Dawid. In the KWU rules are if you have 2 clear warnings different from the other fighter should win by flags. The referee called hantei and it was given 2-2 so he called the judges in advised them the decision should go against Dawid and then again called hantei. This time it was given 3-1. Dawid lost but the judges debated the fouls and the Azerbaijan judge that refused to flag against Dawid said the attack to the leg was not illegal causing the first foul. To rub salt into the wound the same attack went unpunished for the rest of the event.

Again both girls gave it their all with Markwell starting brightly dropping Efremova with a sharp mae geri which was not a point but clearly a nicely timed technique, she was still looking for KO throughout the round and in the dying seconds Efremova returned the compliment with a well-timed back kick which took Markwell off her feet but not a scoring point. After 8 to 9 minutes where neither girl gave one jogi by stepping off the fighting area the referee called hantei and unfortunately for Markwell 3 judges gave the bout to Efremova and one to her so Russia took their second title.

David Dow from GB Kyokushinkan was in the +95 and fought Dimitrios Kipirtidis of Greece, both men had an equal amount of attacks at the end of the round and a draw was signalled, unfortunately Dow had secured a toe injury which required stitching so he was forced to withdraw.

Women -65kg Aneta Meskauskine (Ireland) v Anzhelika Sabaeva (Russia) Meskauskine who had definitely had a tough route to the final found her energy levels a bit lower in this bout so Sabaeva was able to push back the Irish fighter who previously had been on the front foot through the event. Unfortunately for Aneta the judges saw that as enough to give Sabaeva the title.

Day 2 Emma was first up for GB against Eciolaza Zurine of Spain who had shown a lot of punching power in her opening bout. Emma took time to settle but started to work her combinations and after they were then broken apart by the judge for a slight infringement on the pushing/ grabbing rule and upon the restart Emma through an axe kick that landed flush and dropped her opponent for wasari, again due to the KWU rules where they allow the clock to run, the time ticked away and at the end of the first round Emma was awarded the win and advanced to the Final.

Women -70kg Samantha Williams (Great Britain) v Irina Kriazheva (Russia) GB second chance came in the shape of Samantha Williams. The Russian stormed out of the blocks sensing she needed to get on top of Sam early as Sam had previously walked through her opponents. Although Sam tried to stop the onslaught she was unable to get a foothold in the bout until the last 30 seconds where she started to get a few combinations off but it was a case of a little too late and Kriazheva was crowned champion. This was certainly a tremendous experience for Sam and there were clear signs she is developing into a top international fighter. Women +75kg Aleksandra Marinova (Bulgaria) v Mariya Panova (Russia) The excellent Marinova was relentless against the smaller Panova who came back gamely but could not match the power of the Bulgarian and gave the hosts their first title.

Kelly then took on Aneta Meskauskine of IFK Ireland and they both showed a good account of themselves with Aneta moving forward all the time and Kelly landing some really good punch combinations. First round was deemed a draw and in the second round with Kelly unable to force Meskuaskiene back she was unable to land both kicks and punches at the same time. In the end the judges saw it 2-1 with 1 draw but the referee favoured the Irish fighter so Kelly had to settle for 3rd place. (Kelly has asked that I point out she was defiantly awarded 1 Flag!!!)

Mens -60kg Takahashi Genki (Japan) v Dmitry Starodubtsev (Russia) Again it was Russian superiority as Genki did all he could but could not dent Starodubtsev’s resolve and the Russian was too strong

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

winning by decision.

be described as ‘politely’ pushing people out of the way, Spencer finally got his photo and fulfilled a childhood dream.

Mens -65kg Andrei Zinchenko (Georgia) v Farid Kasumov (Russia) A see saw battle saw this fight go the full 3 rounds and the exciting Zinchenko come so close to defeating the very good Kasumov but once again the Russian edged it.

The whole event was a great success and for me personally this has to be one of the best tournaments I have been to, it’s in my opinion up there with the IFK World Tournaments of 2005 and 2013. I’m not going to say much about the sayonara party, there are plenty of stories, good times and a lot of friends were made, but I have to mention that at the age of 79, Hanshi Arneil can still bust out a move on the dance floor and put to shame a few of the younger generations if he wants to…

Mens -70kg Iwasawa Toshihide (Japan) v Evgeni Mamro (Russia) Perhaps everyone’s favourite little Japanese fighter had Mamro a little bewildered for the first half of the bout and dominated Mamro which has never been seen however Mamro is not a IFK world champion for nothing, as if a light was turned on he switched into gear with a barrage of hiza geris both to the body and head that saw the Japanese struggle to compete, by the end of the round the transformation was complete and Mamro was Champion but the spirit of Iwasawa was incredible.

…if you were there you know what I mean! When the original categories and weights were announced a year back, there was a lot of debate regarding them, including that only 1 fighter per country and per category were allowed, yes the Russian teams took 11 of the 13 first places but with the end result the KWU can now boast a placed fighter in their World Tournament from over 18 countries including Russia, Japan, Great Britain, Armenia, Georgia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Spain, Ukraine, Iran, South Africa, Belgium, Poland, Ireland and Holland. This truly shows the global reach of the KWU in such a short period of time as they approached their second birthday, towards the end of the tournament a letter expressing well wishes from Shihan Midori of Shinkyokushinkai was also read out (not many people knew about this), showing that the interest from other organisations outside of the KWU is very clear, The accompanying letter from Shihan Koi Yazukazu, Executive Director of the WKO, said that this letter was written by Kenji Midori, to once again demonstrate their friendship and cooperation.

Mens -75kg Stiliyan Petrov (Bulgaria) v Artem Nazaretian (Russia) In a fight that would go the full 3 rounds Nazaretian can count himself a bit unlucky as looked slightly to have the edge but maybe the warning for a face punch swayed the judges in a close contest giving Bulgaria their 2nd title. Mens -80kg Shamsudin Abdurashidov (Russia) v Nikolay Yorgov (Bulgaria) It seemed destined from the first fight that he had, that the title was Abdurashidov’s, his compose and ability to sense an opportunity was there for all to see. As soon as he spotted a weakness he offloaded on Yorgov and took the crown. Mens -85kg Emil Stalev (Bulgaria) v Dmitry Savelyev (Russia) Again there was only going to be one winner in an event where Saveliev barely broke sweat dispatching all with ease. The final was no exception as he scored a waza ippon against Stalev. On discussing his victory with Saveliev it was interesting to understand the problems he had even competing. For the 2 months leading to the event he could not have any low kicks to his thighs due to injuries from the selection event and yet he stepped on the mat and succeeded. (A good point to all new fighters, that sometimes it is not the condition of your body but the mental will to win that will take you to the title.)

Maybe, just maybe the future for a United One World – One Kyokushin looks very bright indeed. Is it time to be united? Personally I think it is!

Mens -90 Kg Arsen Khachatryan (Russia)v Alesander Komanov (Bulgaria) Maybe the most anticipated fighter was Khachatryan the veteran Russian against the home nation’s favourite fighter Komanov. -90 was indeed an incredible division and the final justified the standard of these big men. Their speed and technique was amazing and for 3 rounds neither would give way. Someone had to win and deservedly Khachatryan got the nod to be world champion but a lot has to be said for Komanov who was a truly great fighter as well.

Dmitry Savelyev

Mens -95kg Igor Mazur (Ukraine) v Alexey Mezhevstov (Russia) Mazur had shown great technique throughout the event but the immense Mezhevstov looked too powerful or anyway. Maybe with a bit more variety of technique the Russian could have won it earlier but at no time did it look like he would lose and took his second world crown of the year. Mens +95kg Masaki Fujii (Japan) v Artur Tilov (Russia) Tilov started very explosively but Fujii hung on in and came back well to earn a draw. The second round was even with Masaki building momentum with his punching combinations. In the final round tilov dug in and forced Masaki back but it still went all the way and a very happy but tired Tilov took the title.

Hanshi (R) & Dolph Lungdren

On the first day of the tournament the appearance Dolph Lungdren went down great with the spectators, and shows that no matter how much of a movie celebrity he has become he stays true to his kyokushin roots and will always take time out of his hectic filming schedule to visit events and meet the fans. As he was leaving he became swamped with people trying to take photos and shake his hand. I looked at Spencer Bennett and said “now’s your chance, you’ve missed Sly don’t miss this one” and after what can only www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 29

Kelly Balmer


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Dawid Ozga

Sam Williams

Spencer Bennett

Artem Nazaretyan

Darren Stringer

Alexey Mezhevtsov

Leon Lundregan

The 1st KWU World Tournament Review Photo Archive

Emma Markwell

Leon Lundregan

Emma Markwell (L)

Kelly Balmer

Evgeni Mamro

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

The 1st KWU World Tournament Review

Results, 5th & 6th October 2013, Sofia, Bulgaria The IFK were represented at both competitor and judging levels by a total of 19 countries. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Great Britain, Kuwait, Iran, Ireland, Lebanon, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and USA. The IFK took an incredible 22 of 42 prizes with IFK Russia dominating with 10 Gold medals and 2 Silver. Prizewinners are listed below and IFK representatives are indicated. As we went to press with this magazine the BKK were informed by the KWU that the -70kg Womens Champion had failed a post tournament drugs test. The below results have been revised and Samantha Williams of Great Britain has been declared the KWU World Champion. Congratulations to Samamatha from The BKK. Statement from the KWU. By the results of Anti-doping procedures held by the official Anti-Doping Centre one of the competitors of the KWU World Championship - Irina Kriazheva has got a positive result, indicating prohibited substance Methylhexanamine, therefore the official results of the World Championship that took place in Sofia, October 5-6, are to be revised. In order to maintain the principle of fair play and meet the requirements of World Anti-Doping Agency and comply with the Provision of the KWU World Championship it was decided to: 1. Withdraw the title of the winner of KWU World Championship from competitor Irina Kriazheva (Russia). 2. Oblige the competitor Irina Kriazheva (Russia) to return the official golden medal, cup and diploma of the World Champion to the Organising Committee of the World Championship. 3. Declare participant Samantha Williams (Great Britain) the World Champion and award her with the official golden medal, cup and diploma of the World Champion. 4.Provide to participant Lucinda Bender (The Netherlands) the title of the second place and award her with the official silver medal, cup and second place diploma. 5. Maintain the third place for the competitor Desiree Radushin (RSA) without changing the title and awards.

Men -60kg

Men -90kg

Ladies -70kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd:

Starodubtsev Dmitry (Russia) IFK Takahashi Genku (Japan) Lund Regan Leon (GB) IFK Arushanyan Artur (Armenia)

Khachatryan Arsen (Russia) IFK Komanov Aleksandar (Bulgaria) Fuji Yusuke (Japan) Estensoro Pablo (Spain)

Williams Samantha (Great Britain) IFK Lucinda Bender (Netherlands) Desiree Radushin (RSA)

Men -65kg

Men -95kg

Ladies +70kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Kasumov Farid (Russia) IFK Zinchenko Andrei (Georgia) Yamashita Kotaro (Japan) Marmysh Andrej (Belarus)

Mezhevtsov Alexey (Russia) IFK Mazur Igor (Ukraine) Makarevich Alexander (Belarus) Kishen Mladen (Bulgaria)

Men -70kg

Men +95kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Mamro Evgeni (Russia) IFK Iwasawa Toshihide (Japan) Kumiskaliyev Baurzhan (Kazakhstan) Komanov Ivan (Bulgaria)

Men -75kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Petrov Stiliyan (Bulgaria) Nazaretian Artem (Russia) IFK Wakabayashi Ryo (Japan) Bratkov Deyan (Bulgaria)

Men -80kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Abdurashidov Shamsutdin (Russia) IFK Yorgov Nikolay (Bulgaria) Samson Muripo (Zimbabwe) Gulmammadov Mehraj (Azerbaijan) IFK

Men -85kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Saveyliev Dmitry (Russia) IFK Stalev Emil (Bulgaria) Sikorsky Dimitry (Belarus) IFK Yordanov Aleksandar (Bulgaria)

Marinova Aleksandra (Bulgaria) Panova Mariya (Russia) IFK Canero Diana (Spain) Greet Pelkhmans (Belgium) IFK

Tilov Artur (Russia) IFK Fuji Masaki (Japan) Amirhossein Daneshfar (Iran) Georgiev Hristo (Bulgaria)

Ladies -55kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Berezova Svetlana (Russia) IFK Seliukova Natalia (Belarus) Boycheva Stanislava (Bulgaria) Shen Ayshegyul (Bulgaria)

Ladies -60kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Efremova Anna (Russia) IFK Markwell Emma (Great Britain) IFK Zurine Eciolaza (Spain) Anna Kadziolka (Poland)

Ladies -65kg 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Sabaeva Anzhelika (Russia) IFK Meskauskine Aneta (Ireland) IFK Balmer Kelly (Great Britain) IFK Wrona Patrycja (Poland)

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BKK’s Samatha Williams KWU WORLD CHAMPION -70kg Category


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

The 36th British Open Knockdown Tournament 2012

By Alan Davorak Forword by Shihan David Pickthall

Review

In what turned out to be one of the largest and toughest British Open/ Cup of Europe tournament for many years it was great to see that the BKK achieved three champions. Apart from the ladies heavyweight categories (Lia Howlett and Kelly Balmer) you have to look back as far as the year 2000 when Kenny Jarvis beat Igor Shishkin for any British fighter to defeat a Russian fighter in their category and go on to become the title holder. Lets hope these are good signs for the future with both Spencer Bennett and Emma Markwell showing if you take the fight to a Russian competitor you may well just go on and beat them, added to that the coming of age of Samantha Williams in the Ladies HW and we may well see the old England v Wales rivalries adding to the excitement. Fingers crossed we can repeat the success at this years championships. Full report of 2012 below.

It was the final most spectators had hoped to see and a repeat of the 2011 final, Markwell (BKK ) versus Lepina (IFK Russia). In round one, both fighters kept it tight trading punches and low kicks toe to toe. In round two, Lepina landed some heavy punches although Markwell countered effectively and narrowly missed with two axe kicks. Round three, again witnessed both fighters trading punches in close, with Markwell landing the better combinations still searching for the jodan knockout. Round four, saw Markwell needing a good start to the round, and she opened with a roll kick which brushed Lepina and a jodan mai geri just missed the resilient Russian Fighter. Markwell, using her rangy kicks and fast punch combinations, was the busier fighter and, although in the last 30 seconds both fighters were working tirelessly, the decision was unanimously given to Markwell.

On Saturday 13th October, the K2 Arena in Crawley hosted the 36th Open Knockdown Tournament, 4th Cup of Europe. Twenty countries from 35 organisational teams participated in what was the largest number of entrants since the BKK 25th Anniversary Tournament back in 2000, with fighters as far afield as Azerbaijan, Pakistan and USA. 142 fighters entered to compete in their respective weight categories for the honour of becoming the British Open Champion Open / Cup of Europe Champion. The K2 was alive with spectators eagerly anticipating some of the best knockdown fighters in Europe. The spectators, judges, officials, coaches and fighters all contributed to a highly memorable and accomplished BKK Open Knockdown Tournament.

Women’s Lightweight -60kg

Dutch fighter Pricilla Lambregste advanced through the first round scoring a wazari from a series of body punches against highly spirited Rebecca Price-Davis from Cardiff BKK. Roxanne Mizir convincingly beat her South African opponent with a crushing chudan mai geri to score a wazari. Lisa Heath fought an extremely resilient Belgian opponent and landed two mai geri jodans in the first round, one which had a noticeable impact as she achieved a convincing majority decision at the end of round two. Emma Markwell comfortably advanced to the next round beating South African Bernadine Burgess, scoring a first round wazari from a series of powerful shita tsukis. Welsh fighter Anne-Marie Jardine fought her Kenshinkai South African opponent and scored a first round wazari to coast in to the next round to fight, a rested from a bye, Russian fighter Maria Lepina.

Women’s Heavyweight +60kg

In the opening round all BKK fighters fought tremendously well. Lia Howlett narrowly lost to Dutch fighter Fransien Reisiger on decision, as did Kelly Balmer versus Irene Jensen from Norway. Patrycja Calka from Ireland IFK fought a very tough South African opponent and advanced to the last eight where she lost on a second round decision to the improving Reisiger from International Budokai. Samantha Williams looked very sharp throughout her first round bout versus Belgian fighter Greet Pelmans and won on a second round decision. She then stopped her Israeli opponent with a series of strong punch combinations and continued this form, beating Reisiger with a first round wazari to advance to the final to face Swedish fighter Sara Hagge.

Lepina proved too strong, landing a series of punches to score an ippon and advance to the last four. Markwell continued to look sharp and focused scoring an ippon with a wheel roll kick against Aneta Rudyeta –Meskauskiene from IFK Ireland. Lisa Heath had a very tough fight against Swedish fighter Johanna Rapp and advanced through to the last four by a split decision. Roxanne Nauth Misir got caught with a roll kick for waza ari and lost to Pricilla Lambregste.

At the beginning of round one, Williams started quickly demonstrating great composure and timing her powerful punches with great impact. Hagge, who had previously beaten Williams, struggled to match her power as she continued to move forward relentlessly. At the end of the round all judges were in agreement and Williams won a convincing first round decision to become the Champion.

In the semi finals Markwell continued to show her technical skills by scoring a wazari with another excellent roll kick, dropping 2012 Champion Lambregstete to advance to the final. Meanwhile, although Lisa Heath showed great resilience, Lepina proved too strong and advanced to the final scoring a wazari after a series of brutal body punches. Heath came back strong afterwards but could not overturn the point .

Men’s Lightweight -70kg

IFK Bulgaria’s Mladen Venev defeated IFK Switzerland’s Andre Emmenegger by decision, as did Shinkyokushin Belgium’s Patrick Lepelaar over BKK’s Tom Cunnington. Welshman Spencer Bennett looked razor sharp as he defeated IBK Spain’s Ivan

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Spencer Bennett (L)

Darren Stringer (R)

Chris da Costa (R)

The BKK British Open Knockdown Tournament 2012

Photo Archive

Zsolt Zsiga (R)

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Kokoro

“Right mind, right heart, right spirit”

Liam Keaveney (7th Dan) Dojo: Bishops House, Windhill, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM23 2NF (ten minutes from junction 8 of the M11) Monday and Wednesday 18.00 to 21.00 E: liam.keaveney@btinternet.com

Proud to support the British Karate Kyokushinkai www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 34


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Elkhaloufui of KWF Holland.

Lopez in a tough three round fight, and Antoine Bouez was convincing in his victory over David Vara of IFK Spain, as was IFK Netherlands’ Wesley Jansen against BKK’s Ollie Wassell who scored with tobi ushiro mawashi for victory.

Zsolt Zsiga of IBK Hungary looked sharp and showed excellent movement and counter attacks as he dismantled Grigorios Vaxevanos of IFK Greece, catching him with a roll kick. Another tough fight saw former two time runner up in IFK Yamburg’s Andrey Donov defeat Juan Carlos Auge of IBK Spain in an even fight.

BKK Crawley’s Darren Stringer defeated IFK Bulgaria’s Grisha Todorov when the Bulgarian pulled up holding his leg and KWF Holland’s Davy Brandt looked strong defeating BKK’s David Tagg. IFK Yamburg’s Yury Chuckov was far too strong for Tamashi Dojo’s Nicolas Periera and Shinkyokushin Belgium’s Dmitri Bertels edged past IBK Holland’s Denis Carmio. BKK’s Alan Shnawa moved and counter attacked well against IFK Greece’s Stefanos Apostolakos to win by decision in three rounds and BKK Cardiff’s Harry Lewis had a hard fought win over Manuel Fernandez of IFK Spain.

The bottom half of the draw saw a few fighters receiving byes to the next round, but IBK Spain’s Santiago Gonzalez defeated IFK Switzerland’s Roland Mueller by decision and BKK Hasting Dmitriy Karalis lost to AKK France’s David Hitie on a debatable waza ari. IFK Netherlands’ Robert Broeders looked strong against Zsisis Lousis IFK Greece and BKK’s Wahab Khaloleh advanced past KWF Holland’s Revelino Rozenblad with an axe kick waza ari.

A big upset next, as reigning Diamond Cup champion and former IKO Russian Champion Dmitry Startsev was disqualified for an illegal face punch against Venev. Bennett’s great form continued as he dropped Belgian’s Lepelaar with a perfectly timed back kick to advance. BKK’s Lund Regan had a tough win over Frenchman Bouez, and Jansen was a touch fortunate to advance on weight against another strong member of the Azerbaijan team in Mubariz Aghamaliyev. Stringer moved round and picked off Brandt well to get a third round decision and Russia’s Chuchkov had a walkover as Bertels withdrew. Shnawa’s tournament ended as he lost to Jafarov of Azerbaijan and IFK Yamburg’s Yevgenniy Solomennikov landed a spectacular roll kick to knock out Cardiff’s Harry Lewis. Fortunately the Welshman got to his feet after a few minutes.

The last sixteen began with Russia’s Chepkasov being too strong for Clijntes and Spain’s Sanchez marching ominously past Calka after pummelling his opponent with some powerful body shots and low kicks. Azerbaijani Guliyev defeated BKK Milton Keynes Ageli and Donov and Zsiga then had an enthralling fight. The young Hungarian caught the Russian with a roll kick to the head and also an axe kick, but not enough to earn a wazari. This visibly shook the Russian and led to Zsiga deservedly taking the decision. One of Europe’s top middleweights up next, was Jimmie Collin of Sweden, who was runner up in the Shinkyokushin European championships a few months earlier, looking in complete control and advancing past Spaniard Torres and Gonzalez defeated Hithe. Russian Open Champion Andrey Borisov looked very strong as he beat Dutchman Broeders with an excellent ippon to take his place in the quarter finals. Khaloleh beat BKK Milton Keynes Sam Stevens to secure his place in the last eight.

In the quarter finals Bennett advanced after a tough bout with Venev and Lund Regan and Jansen had a close fight with Jansen which, unluckily for Lund Regan, saw him dropped by a second round decision when the referee agreed with two of the judges that Jansen had done enough. Darren Stringer also lost by tameshiwari to Russia’s Chuchkov, as did Jafarov to Solomennikov, that again opens the debate whether tameshiwari should be after three rounds instead of two. In the first semi final, Bennett fought intelligently against Jansen by smothering his opponent straight away. A flurry of crisp and powerful techniques ended with a well timed punch that forced Jansen off the mat after half way through the first round and earned Bennett an ippon and a much deserved place in the final. An all Russian semi final ended with Chuchkov withdrawing injured and Solomennikov advancing to his second British Open Final in three years.

The first quarter final was very tight and fought at close quarters with Spain’s Sanchez versus Chepkasov. Sanchez appeared to know he was ahead on boards and did enough to get a draw and advance on tameshiwari. The Azerbaijani Guliyev stalked Zsiga who stayed away and tried numerous spectacular roll kicks for knock out but to no avail. Gulieyev appeared stronger but could not close down his opponent and Zsiga advanced on boards. Collin was again in complete control as he coasted past Gonzalez and Borisov overpowered Khaloleh. The first semi final saw a tactical mistake by Spain’s Sanchez who, although ahead on boards, was unaware that the weight rule would count first against Zsiga. Zsiga spent two rounds on the move without Sanchez putting in much effort to close him down and, at the end of two rounds, the Hungarian was awarded the fight for being five kilograms lighter.

Bennett was the only British male on the podium and hoped to land the top prize as he took on Solomennikov in a fight pitting two of the most exciting fighters of the day against each other. Bennett knew he had to be wary of the Russian’s knock out techniques and put the pressure on his opponent early on and the first round ended even. In the second round the Russian stepped up his work rate and came close with his trademark role kick, but Bennett saw it coming and evaded the technique coming back with a fair amount of his own combinations. The third round was again close with both fighters not giving and inch, but Bennett piled on the pressure in the last thirty seconds and earned the judge’s decision.

The other semi final was Sweden against Russia and two of the continent’s top middleweights in Collin versus Borisov. There was nothing to separate them over two hard fought rounds with neither fighter gaining an advantage and both really taking the fight to their opponent. A draw was the right decision and Borisov advanced via tameshiwari. Borisov knew exactly what to expect against Zsiga in the final, with the Hungarian moving around and trying to land a knock out technique, whereas Borisov wanted to close down the space and use his strength advantage. A bright start from Zsiga saw him evade Boriosv’s advances in a spritely fashion, but it was not long before Borisov closed the gap and landed a body punch that dropped the Hungarian and gave Borisov the middleweight title.

On seeing the decision, Bennett fell to his knees in delight as he was now a British Open Champion. A great fight from Bennett, showing both intelligence to upset the Russian’s game plan and the stamina and determination to execute it against an experienced and tough opponent.

Men’s Middleweight -80kg

This was, as always, one of the most competitive categories. Former British Open Champion, Denis Chepkasov of IFK Yamburg had a real battle as he advanced past USA Kenshinkai’s Clai Henry by decision. BKK Dockland’s Chris Da Costa fought well in his open category debut performance against the experienced Arnaud Clijntes of IFK Netherlands. The fight see-sawed over the first two rounds with Da Costa on top at times, but in the third round the Dutchman’s superior experience and fitness earned him the decision.

Men’s Heavyweight +80kg

The giant Simon Palsson of Shinkyokushin Sweden battered IFK Pakistan’s Ali Aamir, who showed great spirit to hang in the fight. IFK Netherlands’ Jan Van Beek and Shinkyokushin Belgium’s Peter de Raedt were extremely well matched with De Raedt taking the decision. Another good performance from the evergreen David King of IFK Ireland but he lost on weight to IFK Moscow’s Nikolai Maslennikov. Kyokushinkan Germany’s excellent technician Sergei Braun defeated IBK Spain’s Augustin Alcazar and IFK Yamburg’s Alexander Karshigiev defeated AKK France’s Jean Paul Jacquet.

IFK Belgium’s Cliff van Tilburg lost to the tough Bartosz Calka fighting out of IFK Ireland and IBK Spain’s Daniel Sanchez powered past Atropat Kechvarazri of AKK France. Nial Guliyev was another strong fighter from IFK Azerbaijan and he confidently beat Shoukrhi

In the other side of the draw IFK Netherlands’ Roel Noordman was too strong for IFK Ireland’s Alan McCoy and Ashihara Netherland’s

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

HKK LITTLE DRAGONS

Loughborough Karate Kyokushinkai

For further information please contact: Sensei Savio Santimano Tel: 0208 482 0456 Mob: 07767 420 833

for more information Sensei Sunil Tailor (4th DAN) sensei@loughboroughkarate.co.uk +44(0) 7970468883 www.loughboroughkarate.co.uk

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You may not be the best fighter‌ but you can become a better one !

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Bart Mulder defeated IFK France’s Daniel De Groote. BKK Samurai’s Paul Stephens advanced past IKO GB’s Krystof Wasilewski and Shinkyokushin Norway’s Robin Junge fought an intelligent fight to keep his distance to winon weight against IFK Yamburg’s Alexander Ibragimov. In the second round Russia’s Artur Tilov, who already this year had won the Russian Open and IKO Matushima World Tournament in Japan, showed his class by landing a casual jodan mawashi geri into the face of the giant Palsson to gain an ippon. De Raedt again looked strong defeating Koen Brink’s KWF Holland and Maslennikov defeated IBK Hungary’s Marton Kiss. Braun versus Karshigeev was a really interesting fight, as the Russian dwarfed his German opponent by some 40 kilos, and stalked him with the German moving and catching the Russian on the counter. Braun fought superbly to keep the Russian away and was close to getting a draw and advancing on weight, but two flags were given and the ref awarded the fight to Karshigeev.

Ladies Lightweight Podium

Noordman defeated BKK’s Malcolm Scott and Dimitrios Kypiridis of IFK Greece defeated Stephens. In the fight of the round, KWF European Champion Ferry Hoogeveen of Netherlands defeated Norwegian Junge in a fight that went the full three rounds. In the first quarter final, De Raedt really took the fight to Russia’s Tilov which was a very even fight. Tilov won the on boards but great credit to De Raedt for his performance against a stellar opponent. An all Russian quarter final saw Karshigeev lose on weight this time around to compatriot Maslennikov, who would not give an inch to his larger opponent. In the other quarter finals Noordman defeated Mulder and Hoogeveen looked impressive as he defeated Kypiridis. Two all country semi finals, as two Russians and two Dutchman squared off for a place in the final. First up was Tilov against Maslennikov, who started the fight well but as the fight wore on Tilov’s strength and experience showed and he took the decision after two rounds. Hoogeveen was looking more impressive as the day went on, dropping Noordman with a body punch to gain an ippon.

Ladies Heavyweight Podium

An interesting final was in store with the excellent Tilov against the tall Hoogeveen who had knock out techniques with his high kicks. Tilov abruptly put an end to any chance of an upset by dropping Hoogeveen with a body punch for a wazari. When the fight resumed, Tilov wasted no time and landed a crisp chudan mawashi geri to earn an ippon and his third title of the year. Mens Lightweight Podium

Tameshiwari Award: Daniel Sanchez

Fastest Knockout Award: E.Solomennikov

Spirited Fighter Award: Sam Williams

Mens Middleweight Podium

Nicola Hughes Award: Hanshi, Emma Markwell, Bryn & Sam Hughes Mens Heavyweight Podium

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Nick & Chris da Costa

The BKK British Open Knockdown Tournament 2012 Photo Archive

Maria Lepina (L)

Alan, Kenny & Darren

Jimmie Collin

Cliff Van Tilburg

Paul Travers

Shihan Graham Warden

Artur Tilov

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

The BKK British Open Knockdown Results 13th October 2012, K2, Crawley, UK Men Lightweight -70kg

Ladies Heavyweight +60kg

Ladies Novice -60kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: Alex Nauth-Misir (BKK Loughborough) 2nd: Saeedah Aletha (BKK Loughborough) 3rd: Dorota Piechocka (Ireland) 3rd: Jagoda Matys (BKK Ealing)

Spencer Bennett (Wales) Yevgeniy Solomennikov (Russia) Yuriy Chuchkov (Russia) Wesley Jansen (Holland)

Samantha William (Wales) Sara Hagge (Sweden) Irene Jensen Skelfjord (Norway) Fransien Reisiger (Holland)

Men Middleweight -80kg

Men Novice -70kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Andrey Borisov (Russia) Zsolt Zsiga (Hungary) Daniel Sanchez (Spain) Jimmie Collin (Sweden)

Ben Kelly (Ireland) Marek Kulpa (Ireland) Charlie Venes (BKK Crawley) Marcin Bochenek (Ireland)

Men Heavyweight +80kg

Men Novice -80kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Artur Tilov (Russia) Ferri Hoogeveen (Holland) Nicolai Maslenikov (Russia) Roel Noordman (Holland)

Chris Todd (BKK Crystal Palace) Darren Drew (Jitsushinkai) Leon Barker (BKK Loughborough) Scott Clark (BKK Dunmow)

Ladies Lightweight -60kg

Men Novice +80kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Emma Markwell (England) Maria Lempina (Russia) Priscilla Lambregste (Holland) Lisa Marie Heath (Wales)

Special Awards Tameshiwari: Daniel Sanchez (Spain) Spirited Fighter: Sam Williams (Wales) Fastest Knockdown: Yevgeny Solomennikov (Russia) The Nichola Hughes Memorial Trohpy to highest placed British fighter: Emma Markwell (England)

Chris Kingham (Hastings & Bexhill) Paul Sutton (Melton Mowbray) Sebastian Sikora (Ireland) Dariousz Delecta (Wakefeild)

The BKK British Regional Knockdown Results 29th June 2013, Dunmow Lesuire Centre, UK Men Lightweight -70kg

Men Novice -80kg

Ladies Novice +60kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd:

Ben Kelly (IFK Ireland) Anil Tailor (BKK Crawley) Ollie Wassell (BKK Loughborough)

Men Middleweight -80kg 1st: 2nd:

Dawid Ozga (BKK Crawley) Bartek Calka (IFK Ireland)

Luke Baldwin (BKK Mountain Ash) Zoltan Fonda (K3 Shinkyokushin Fight Team) Dean Johnson (BKK Crystal Palace) Anton Trampon (BKK Bethnal Green)

Emma Hopkins (BKK Mountain Ash) Emma Grey (BKK Chelmsford)

Cadet Boys Lightweight 1st: 2nd:

Josh Mays (BKK Crawley) Cain Lacy (BKK Mountain Ash)

Men Heavyweight +80kg

Men Novice +80kg

Cadet Boys Lightweight

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd:

Matt Bury (BKK Bethnal Green) David King (IFK Ireland) Tamas Szalai (K3 Shinkyokushin Fight Team) Aleksandras Andrejevas (BKK Wakefield)

Steven Drew (BKK Crawley) Stoycho Stoykov (BKK Wimbledon) Daniel Snelling (BKK Staines Tigers) Jaroslaw Goralczyk (IFK Ireland)

Ladies Heavyweight +60kg

Ladies Novice -60kg

1st: 2nd: 3rd:

1st: 2nd: 3rd: 3rd:

Aneta Meskauskeine (IFK Ireland) Kirsten Gaulitus Smith (BKK Crystal Palace) Patrycja Calka (IFK Ireland)

Vilma Klimavicrute (BKK Staines Tigers) Leah Evans (BKK Ynysowen) Ami Stevens (BKK Verwood) Claire Hutchin-Fields (BKK Kokoro)

Blake Collins (Bkk Crawley) James Perrott (BKK Kyokushin Academy) Ben Santimano (BKK Haringay)

Special Awards Spirited Fighter: Bartek Calka (IFK Ireland) Fastest Knockdown: Josh Mays (BKK Crawley)

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Glass Restoration (Antique & Modern) Wishing the fighters, officials and spectators a great day at K2 Crawley www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 39

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013 By Shiahn David Pickthall & Ollie Potter

BKK Knockdown Round Up October 2012 - October 2013 3rd Kyokushin Union World Cup 10th November 2012, Japan

coordinator Shihan Koi and World Champions Tsukamoto and Tsyogoshi for talks on further communications between our organisations.

Darren Stringer took part in the openweight World Tournament in Tohama, Japan. He won his first bout against a fighter from Chile but dropped a decision in the 2nd round to his Japanese opponent.

5th IKK National Open 18th May 2013, England.

NKA Dutch Oyama Cup

The BKK took of a team of adults and juniors to the annual IKK Open in Folkstone. This is the only tournament to feature knockdown fighting for juniors with semi contact controled kicks to the head. In the adult division Samantha Williams took a first round win against a strong French opponent and scored wasari for domawashi kaiten geri against her Norwegian opponent to take the LHW title. Lisa Heath took 1st in the Ladies LLW category by outworking her opponents and landing cleaner techniques. Chris Thomas & Richard Harvey took first in the MW and HW Novice category’s respectively, with Leah Evans and Lauren Lewis winning their first round bouts in the LLW Novice category, with Leah taking the win against Lauren by 2 wasari’s in the final. The juniors took home a hand full of 1st 2nd and 3rd places in their categories.

24th November 2012, Holland The BKK had a large participation in this event with Alan Shnawa and Leon Lund Regan LW, Dawid Ozga, Sam Stevens and Dmitry Karalis MW, Hywel Evans HW, Roxanne Nauth Misir and Annie Jardine LLW. Both Alan Shnawa and Dawid Ozga proceeded to the semi -finals. Alan, after winning his first two fights by decision, fought Davie Brand and appeared to be in control until he was caught with an ushiro geri. This disturbed his concentration and he let Brand back into the bout and eventually lost on decision. Brand went on to take the title. In the fight for third place Alan gained a comfortable decision. In an event that had odd repercharge rules Dawid won his first fight by weight after it was wrongly called a draw with equal weight. The fighter he beat came back into the draw for the quarter finals, he then beat Robert Broeders, the 2011 champion on weight. Broeders was then brought back into the event in the semi-finals and went on to win the 2012 title. Dawid lost to Kelvin in the semi-finals and did not fight for third place.

Kyokushin-kan World Open 25th May 2013, Denmark

Alan Shnawa and Roxanne Nauth Misir took part in the event run by Flemming Jensen. There were several withdrawals at the last minute so the draws were changed and Roxanne had to fight Priscilla Lambregste in her first fight. Roxanne showed good grit taking all Priscillas attacks and ended up losing a decision but it gave her good confidence and she showed that stooped her opponent in the 3rd place fight off with chudan mawashi for ippon.

IKKU Scottish Open

February 4th 2013, Scotland The MMW division was an 80% all BKK affair with Simon Eriksson of Sweden taking the fifth spot. Sam Stevens took a bi to the semi-final with Moody Ageli moving past Eriksson of Sweden by decision. Darren Chan scored an impressive Ippon by ushiro mawashi geri against Dimitri Karalis in the first semi-final. Sam and Moody made the 2nd semi-final an all Milton Keynes affair with Moody taking the win by decision to set up the final with Chan. The Final was a close quarter affair with Moody keeping close on Chan, both fighters exchanging combinations but with 20 seconds to go Chan scored wasari for gedan mawashi geri of which Moody could not gain back in the remaining time. Kieran Rodden took a well-deserved 3rd place after losing the semi-final of the MMW Novice section by Wasari. Lia Howlett fought in both Lightweight and Heavyweight category’s taking 1st and 2nd respectively. Sam Hunt and Said Hossini in the MHW division won through both their semi-finals to make an all BKK final. The bout going the 3 full rounds with no difference between them both, the result could have gone either way but Sam nudged the win by decision.

Alan defeated old BKK colleague Josh Eniwumide in his first fight and then after a tough first round of his semi against Dmitry Ivanov GB Kyokushinkan his scored ippon with tobi jodan mawashi geri. The final was a tough bout and in the final extention as Alan tired he got hit with Jodan mawashi for ippon and had to settle for 2nd place.

30th Shinkyokushin All-Japan 18th/19th May 2013, Japan

For the first time IFK/BKK were invited by Shihan Midori to participate in the 30th Shinkyokushin All Japan Weight Category tournament. Shihan Pickthall took a team of 5. Tom Cunnington, Darren Stringer in the MLW, Malcom Scott in the MHW and Emma Markwell & Kelly Balmer in the LMW division. Darren Stringer took a bye in first round then lost by Gedan Mawashi Geri Ippon, Enchosen in second round. Tom Cunnington had a bye in first round then lost by 5-0 Honsen in second round. Malcom Scott losing in first round by 5-0 Honsen. Emma Markwell won her first bout in first round by 1-0, 5-0 but lost her 2nd bout in the second round by 5-0 and finally Kelly Balmer losing in the first round by 0-0, 5-0.

Sam Stevens

Alan Shnawa

Alex Nauth-Misir

Sam Williams

Interestingly Japan allow 15 year olds and above to take part in their events and the mens LW final was between two brothers. The 21 year old defeated his 16 year brother old for the title. Shihan Midori kindly invited Shihan David to dinner with international

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

NKA Holland Oyama Cup

5th IKK National Open

Kyokushin-kan World Open

30th Shinkyokushin All-Japan

IKKU Scottish Open

Darren Stringer

Tom Cunnington (L)

Darren Chan (L)

Mens Middleweight Fighters at IKKU Scottish Open

Lia Howlett (L)

Kieran Rodden (R)

Sam Hunt (L)

Team GB with IFK Holland at Kyokushin-kan World Open

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

!

t S E 1s H FRE T N G MO NIN AI

TR

Established in 1985 by Shihan Andrew Turner, 5th Dan - England & Great Britain Junior & Cadet Coach. Over the years Dunmow has had many British Knockdown Champions: Senpai John Izod 1989 & 1991, Senpai Sean Dillon 1993 and Senpai Lia Howlett 2003, 2008, 2009 and 2011 with Senpai Miguel Fernandez reaching the finals twice.

TRAINING TIMES: Tuesday ; Juniors 6pm-7pm at Gt. Dunmow Leisure Centre Seniors 8pm-10pm at The Ar ts Centre, Gt. Dunmow Thursday ; Juniors 7pm -8pm Seniors 8pm -9.30pm at Gt. Dunmow Primar y School

PLEASE CALL SHIHAN ANDREW

07974 094925 www.dunmowkarate.co.uk

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

Kyokushin - Time To Be United BKK Around the World

After the 30th Shinkyokushin All Japan tournament Shihan Midori kindly invited Shihan David to dinner with international coordinator Shihan Koi and World Champions Tsukamoto and Tsyogoshi for talks on further communications between our organisations.

there they also visited the original and the new Honbu along with a visit to Mas Oyamas final resting place, Gokukuji temple in Tokyo. Whilst on his travels this year Senpai Darren Chan trained alongside members of the French Kyokushin Budokai under the guidence of Shihan Lionel Bricnet, and Dutch IBK and Thai fighter, Shihan Martin Van Emmen.

Shihan David was also invited as a guest of honour to the Shinkyokushin World Cup in Lithuania by Shihan Midori for further discussions.

BKK members Senpais Darren Stringer, Anil Taylor, Marco Morreale visted Senpai Jonathan Tineo’s Kyokushin Union Summercamp in Barcalona. This event was atteneded by fighters from across the world with over 5 different associations attending.

Whilst in Japan, Sensei Darren Stringer, Sensei Anil Tailor and Tom Cunnington trained with Kyokushin-Kan’s Shihan Kaneko. (Pictured, Masaki Fujii, Darren Stringer, Tom Cunnington, Shihan Kaneko, Ejiro Kambe, Anil Tailor and Yusuke Fujii.) Whilst

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

BKK Other Events & News

BKK Kata & Self Defence Course

Hanshi Junior & Cadet Course

BKK Kata & Referee Course

BKK Squad Training & Sponsored 30 Fights

Nicola Hughes Collection

Greg Hitchings Memorial Cup

Dolph Lundgren

The BKK collection at the British Open 2012 for the North West Police Benevolent Fund sold 450 wrist bands and raised over £650 in the process.

BKK Dunmow dojo raised over £2000 for the ‘Dreams Come True’ charity which help and support children and their familes who are terminally and seriously ill.

Dolph Lundgren was in town to promote Universal Solider 4. He was appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on ITV but took time out of his schedule to visit BKK Crawley.

3 Peaks Challenge Shihans Andrew Turner and Terry Prescott, Sensei John Moulden, Sensei Emma Moulden, Senpai Miguel Fernandez, Senpai Mike Woods, Senpai Warren Brown, Kath Turner, Bev Moulden, Wendy Batkin, Pollyanna Batkin, Mark Bowden and Dan White walked the Three Peaks, Ben Nevis, Scarfel Pike and Snowdon in just one weekend for the same charity and raised another £1000 for the ‘Dreams Come True’ charity . A greulling weekend but worth it in the end. Can you put in that people can still donate just go on their website www.dreamscometrue.co.uk

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

The National Skills Academy for Materials, Production and Supply delivers high impact, employer led careers and skills solutions for industries in the Process and Manufacturing sector.

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

In association with Kokoro Dojo www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 48


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

PC Nicola Hughes North Pole Marathon Bryn Hughes, BKK Oldham Dojo, is running the North Pole Marathon in memory of his daughter, also Oldham Dojo, Nicola was tragically killed alongside her colleague last year in Manchester. Please show your support by following the link to our just Giving Page

www.justgiving.com/pchughesnorthpolerun

Or Text: NIKY23 (plus amount) to 70070 www.bbk-uk.com www.ifk-kuokushin.com 49


37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

MILTON KEYNES KYOKUSHINKAI KARATE DOJO Established 1975 CLASSES: Mondays & Wednesdays 18:30 – 19:30 Juniors 19:30 – 20:30 Advanced Juniors and Cadets 20:30 – 22:00 Seniors Fridays 18:30 – 20:00 circuit and personal trainer

Warwick Road Activities Centre, Porchester Close, Bletchley, MK3 6BH

Contact: Sensei Moss Ageli 07703 660322 Email: moss@sabtina.powernet.co.uk

WISHING THE BKK EVERY SUCCESS AT THE NATIONALS

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37TH BRITISH OPEN KNOCKDOWN TOURNAMENT 2013

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