On Sunday 5 th March 2023, Washinkai held its first National Championships following a two year
break after Covid19
The competition was held at Canons Karate Club in Mitcham Surrey, formerly the home of the
Championships throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Due to the long gap between the Championships of 2020 and 2023, it was expected to have only a
small entry. However, we were pleased to see that over 120 entrants participated in the
competition.
Many thanks are due to the hard work put in by Trevor Starkey, 3 rd Dan, Denmead Karate Club who
made a great effort to bring up the mats by 8 am on the morning of the Nationals. After everyone
helped to lay out the mats, we were able to start the competition at 9.30 am.
Owing the long gap and lack of competition practice, no team categories took place this year. Kata
events were held first, followed by all the kumite events. As we were limited to time and had to
finish by 4 pm, all events successfully completed by 3 pm.
The competition was a major success with all our clubs from London, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, West
Sussex all receiving medals for their students.
After all medals were distributed, Shihan Chris Thompson awarded both Sensei Stednet Gray and
Sensei Jean Wedja with their Godan (5 th Dan) Certificates. Trevor Starkey was awarded the Black
Belt Shield for 2023.
A big thank you to all the officials and instructors on the day for making the 2023 Nationals such a
success.
