KUGB National Championships 2017

The KUGB National Championships are held annually and feature the most talented karateka in the KUGB. Any CUKC member can compete. KUGB Nationals 2017

Photos

View photos of the competition.

Competition Report

On Saturday 6th of May, 5 cars filled with determined CUKC competitors set out to Birmingham to compete in the 2017 KUGB Nationals.

Representing CUKC was Ellen, Mara, Tegwen, Andy, Donatas, Francisco, Herve, Heng Xuan, Jerome Vandekerckhove, Marcus, Petre, Philip, Sebastian Muller and Stephen.



As expected the divisions were large and of a very high standard.

Ellen, Mara and Tegwen represented CUKC in women's team kumite. After winning their first round, they then lost against a very strong Manchester Uni. Team - the category's eventual silver medallists.

Tegwen was our sole women's kata participant - unfortunately being relegated in the first round after performing Heian Shodan. She did however go on to win two fights in individual kumite. Ellen also performed commendably in the under 21 women's category, securing a hard-fought bronze medal.



All men fought well against tough opposition in the over 21 men's senior category, with only Herve reaching the semi-final stages and very impressively taking home the Bronze medal in a pool of international standard opponents.



CUKC entered two men's kumite teams. Team 'A' consisting of Herve, his older brother Jerome, Donatas and Francisco; and Team 'B' made up of Stephen, Andy, Sebastian Muller and Marcus. Team B won their first two fights, eventually losing a tiebreak fight to a very competent Bargoed team in the quarterfinal stage. Team A then met Bargoed in the semi-final, also drawing after the three fights but thankfully winning their tiebreak fight. Team A ultimately went on to win silver!



Marcus was our sole men's kata participant - placing 5th in an extremely competitive category. Finally, Heng Xuan, Marcus and Petre represented CUKC in a highly anticipated team kata display, winning gold and claiming the title of KUGB national team kata champions - a CUKC first!



Overall, this was the club's best performance at KUGB Nationals to date, and truly a testament to the dedication of our instructors in coaching, and to the competitors in training and motivating each other. Well done CUKC, here's to celebrating these victories in the coming weeks!