Last updated 10:18, Friday, 07 March 2008

CUMBRIA Wado-Kai Karate Club held their championships at Moorclose Sports Centre.

First was a close white belt junior kata (form) competition in which Catherine Brown took first with an outstanding pinan nedan kata. Luke Scott came second with Robert Atkinson third.

In the junior coloured belts Matthew Hughes won with an advanced kata (kushanku) with a performance showing maturity and confidence beyond his years. Second went to the excellent James Brown with Sophie Croft third.

First Dan Craig Hurst was as sharp as ever to win the senior kata. Second went to John Dougan, who soon goes for his black belt, and third went to the fast-improving Alan Brown.

It was then time to pad up for the kumite (fighting) competitions.

The juniors went first. An exciting competition ended with a bruising final between James Brown and Danny Hodgson with some excellent techniques being used by both competitors.

Brown won with his favoured technique of taking the opponent’s guard away and striking back fist to the head. Jack Croft, who showed lots of aggression, was third.

The senior fighting was an excellent affair with the top three places decided on tiebreaks.

Craig Hurst came first with his speed and technique giving him the upper hand against Sian Telford whose deadly roundhouse kicks scored numerous points. Alan Brown was third a very close and bruising fight with Sian Telford.

Trophies and medals were awarded at the end of the night, thanks to a grant from the Neighbourhood Forum.

Thanks to Referee Sensei Paul Ditchburn 4th Dan, and organiser Sensei Paul Hurst 1st Dan and the centre staff.

Anyone wishing to join Cumbria Wado-Kai can come along to Moorclose Sports Centre on any Friday night at 6.30pm. Cost £2 children (minimum age, seven), £3 adults.