Traditional Shotokan Karate in Sunderland, UK

Summer In-House Competition

DOKAN KARATE CLUB SUMMER 2013 IN-HOUSE COMPETITION.

Eighty students exactly entered this years tournament and all eighty turned up for a fun filled day of friendly karate rivalry.

The day began with the briefest of chats explaining the basic rules of karate to the parents, many of whom were witnessing competitive karate for the first time. We followed this with a couple of stunts to amuse the kids but I think most of the parents like these too. Sensei Kevin did the Bed Of Nails (which is always popular) and Eleisha kicked the apple through the meat cleaver. We had not told Eleisha’s mum we would be doing this as it is very dangerous but she pulled it off beautifully. It’s been a big talking point in the schools this week.


With over 150 trophies, nine kata and nine kumite categories plus 3 team and 3 pairs kata categories there was plenty of opportunity for the kids to win something and most did.

As usual our competition squad members were outstanding and the teams and pairs which I let the students choose themselves was far better than I thought as they chose their friends.

For me the highlight of the day was the kumite and how many entered it, virtually every student who attended did kumite. The fighting was spirited and ferocious everyone pushing forward and trying to score even the white belts. And I was particularly pleased with the low grade under nines girls kumite sections which were fantastic.

Afterwards we all went back to head coach Kev’s house for a barbecue and a wind down as the weather was gorgeous which rounded off a fabulous day.

As this is a none profit making event which relies completely on volunteers and many thanks must go to…

The Referees: Anth Moon, Becky, Ron, Wes, Paul and Tom.

The Table Staff: the Nicholson family, Maria Mcnally, Eve Whittaker, Vic Fairbairn, Ali Mitch and Zarra and Jade Mitchinson.

The day would not have been so successful without their contribution.

In the schools and clubs it is obvious how proud the kids are and what a fantastic time they had.

Dokan karate club is currently at the peak of its four and a half years of existence. The standard throughout is outstanding and what we have here is something special. Long may it continue.