Three students from the Scottish clubs took part in the Scottish Cup Novice Knockdown Tournament which was organised by the Kyokushin Schools Of Karate Scotland organisation, The tournament took place on Saturday 6th March in Lochgilphead. Around 20 competitors took part in the event. The team, Patrik, Eamon and Paul, were coached by Senpai Glen. Senpai Brian represented the clubs by sharing the refereeing duties. It was a very successful day. Eamon won his event with two wazaris in his first tournament with no gloves, body or head protection. Patrik was third in the middleweight section. This was his first competition. He lost the previous round to a much more experienced kickboxer after 4 minutes due to Patrik being 10K heavier. Paul Williams won the heavyweight category. Paul showed tremendous spirit having to go through 16 minutes of fighting to win the title. Not bad for a man who was eating a big lunch two hours before winning the title as he was not sure if he could take part! All in all it was a very satisfying day for the clubs and good relationships were established with the wider Kyokushin organisations in Scotland.
The Scottish clubs have been taking part in Britain's Got Talent 2010. The journey started back in the summer of 2009 when Shihan Martin sent off the application form. The first audition took place at the SECC in Glasgow in October 2009. The team had to make a video of the routine and take it to the audition where they were interviewed by the producers and were filmed doing various clips and interviews. The routine is a mix of Taiko drumming, Tameshiwari and Kata. The demo team performs under the name 'Celtic Thunder' and is made up of Shihan Martin, Senpai Lisa, Senpai Gill, Senpai Glen, Senpai Brian, Harry, Eamon and Patryk.
The team made it through the first round and were invited back to perform infront of the judges (Simon, Piers and Amanda) and an audience of 5,000 at the SECC in January 2010. The team made it through to the next round despite being buzzed during the routine. The huge crowd was behind the team and help sway the judges into allowing them through to the third round.
The third round was held in London on the 12th February 2010. This was made up of the last 180 acts from the thousands that applied. Only 40 acts made it through to the live finals which will take place in May. The TV show is to be on ITV on Saturday nights through April and May this year. Watch this space for news of how the team got on.
The 2010 Winter Camp took place at Comrie Croft between the 5th and 7th February. This was the ninth winter camp in Scotland. Over 60 students took part in this year's event which was one of the most successful camps held in Scotland. The camp covered numerous topics including Bunkai, Kobudo, Kata, Kumite, Kihon, Conditioning and the spiritual side of the martial arts. The standard of tuition was excellent with students being taught by Shihan Jose, Shihan Martin, Shihan Paul, Shihan Mac and Senpai Adam. Around 15 students took part in club gradings and Craig from Durham sat his Shodan grading and showed great spirit during his 20 man kumite test.
Everyone was pleased with the new venue and Shihan Martin deserves the acknowledgment for organising such a quality event once again.
We are sad to announce that the Branch Chief of Germany and EKKO board-member, Shihan Christoph Fischer, died on January 17th in the hospital in Hamburg. He was only 46 years old. As Country Representative for Germany Shihan Fischer built a strong German Kyokushin Organization with an increasing number of dojos. Some of his students became international champions. Last summer Christoph was promoted by the International Karate Organization to the high grade of 5t Dan with the honorary title of Shihan.
Can all students please make sure they have a valid licence. Without one you are not insured, cannot take a grading or enter any competitions. If you are not sure then please check with your dojo operator. An application form can be printed from the link below. Please return to Senpai Brian with the correct fee.
Click to get a copy of the Licence Application and Renewal Form
Last updated 07/03/2010
