News

BTKA Referees and Judges officiated at the 2019 Interservices Championships hosted by the Army in Aldershot, Hampshire.

The Championships are held over two days with the karate events on Saturday 13th July.  Due to the current state of affairs in Iran, many of our armed services personnel were deployed and unable to compete.

Sensei Chris Thompson took a squad of nine officials:  Neville Smith, 7th Dan; Shaz Shahid 6th Dan; Neil Benton 6th Dan; Andrew Newman 5th Dan; Mike Beasley 5th Dan; Chris Wateridge 5th Dan; Calum Mendham 4th Dan and Sara Benton 2nd Dan.

On Thursday 16 May 2019, both Shihan Chris Thompson and Sensei Alison Thompson 6th Dan, travelled to our Javea Club in Spain, to hold the Spring Gasshuku.  Sensei Andrew Newman 5th Dan and Sensei Steve Hensman 4th Dan had travelled there the previous day.

Wednesday 15 May saw the Annual Royal Navy vs the Royal Marines Championships take place at HMS Temerare in Portsmouth.

This year, a few selected Washinkai referees and judges officiated.  Unfortunately, this year many servicemen were deployed which meant both the Karate and Taekwondo competitors were limited.  However, high standards were evident with the chosen few who could compete.

I would like to thank Shaz Shahid 6th Dan, Neil Benton 6th Dan, Chris Wateridge 5th Dan, Mike Beasley 5th Dan for helping the event run smoothly in both kata and kumite.

The Washinkai Cup and Trophy, which were scheduled to take place on this day, has been postponed to make it an Autumn event.  This enabled the Canons Karate Club to host a general course on Sunday 12 May at the Canons Leisure Centre.  Students of all grades and ages attended.  A range of Washinkai Karate techniques were covered.

Credit must go to Annette Turpin 6th Dan for hosting and organising the course.

This well attended course attracted Clubs from Tadworth, SMKC and Canons Mitcham.