Seitou Ryu Invitational Tournament October 2011

East London’s karate team’s efforts and determination turn to golden victories at the Seitou Ryu Winter Championships on Sunday 9^th October 2011, held in Tilbury Essex.

It was a flying start to the season as 21 members of the group Kaizen Ryu Karate filled 26 podium places across 41 categories; 11 Golds, 7 Silvers and 8 Bronze.

The under 16’s had some knockout performances from Kevin Quah who gained gold in the 10-12yrs Green to Red belt Kata division. Strong determination was shown by Sammi Roe, who didn’t let a kick to the face stop him coming away with bronze in the 10-12yrs Green to Red belt Kumite division. Marcio Sa Peixoto had his best performance to date with Silver in both kata and Kumite, 13-15 yrs Green to Red belt division.

Tournament first timer’s Teejay Forde (9rys old) and Andrew Willmore (46yrs old) had a very successful day and finally got to put all their skills into practice with some great results! Teejay came away with his first gold in the 5-9yrs Yellow to Orange belt kumite Division, while Andrew gained Bronze in the veterans Kata division and Silver in the veterans Kumite Division. Both Teejay and Andrew along with 36 other karate students across East London have been involved in Team Kaizen, Canary Wharf Group’s 2011 summer program.

Head Coach Emmie Brown says; “I am so proud of what they have achieved today and rewarding to see they are putting into practice the skills they are learning, and getting top results for their efforts. It’s only going to help them prepare for the TKF Nationals at the end of the month in Crystal Palace.” 

The elite group ‘Yudansha’ had a successful day too with outstanding performances from Gina Boot, a Silver in 13-15yrs Girls brown and black belt Kata division and Bronze in her Kumite division. Sunit Jogia gain gold in 10-12yrs brown and black belt boys kata, with Dominik John getting Bronze in the 16-21yrs old brown belt Men’s Kata.

Senior Yudansha gained Gold in the Women’s synchronised team kata, whilst Marie Tanabalan and Vicky Phillips secured Gold and Silver in the Women’s black belt kata division respectively. In the Women’s Black Belt Kumite divison, third team kata member Emmie Brown faced tough competition but still managed to gain Silver, whilst fellow team Marie Tanabalan secured Bronze.

Highlights of the day came from Tyrone Briscoe (15yrs) and Indran Tanabalan who both gained double golds in the 13-15yrs Boys brown belt division and in Mens black belt kata and kumite divisions, respectively.

The elite team are hoping for similar success next week in Italy, where they will travel to for the 13^th FSKA World Championships, and represent Great Britain at an international level. Following the World Championships, the team will take part in the TKF Nationals which will be held at Crystal Palace, winners of which determine future Great Britain squad places. The GB Team will go on to compete in Tokyo, Japan 2012.

Thanks to Canary Wharf Group PLC, who have provided the elite team support for all their kit to Italy, including new uniforms and tracksuit jacket and bottoms. It is a massive help for our young athletes.

For information on nearby karate classes in Bow, Bethnal Green, Ilford, Manor Park, please go to www.kaizenryu.com or call 07743-764234.