United Kingdom Open Karate Championships 2007
British Wadokai had two representatives at the United Kingdom Open Karate Championships Fallon and Shannan Rayman (Kyokai Karate Club). The championships, held on Sunday 16th September 2007, were being held in Dudley, West Midlands, which meant a very early start to the day for the Southern competitors.
The Kata events which commenced first were judged initially on points with every competitor completing one Kata which was scored by three judges. The top 8 competitors then went through to a flag knockout contest.
Competing in the Junior Mixed 10-12yrs, 5th Kyu & Over Kata category was Fallon Rayman. According to the category rules, competitors could perform two Kata and alternate. Fallon performed a good Chinto Kata scoring an above average score of 6.0, 6.2 & 6.0 from the judges totaling 18.2 which was a good mark for a Wado Kata. Even though her score was good, unfortunately the score wasn’t high enough on this occasion to take her through to the last 8 knockout stage.
Shannan Rayman was competing in the Mixed Junior 13-15yrs, 10-5th Kyu Kata category at the same time as the girls but his category allowed a single Kata to be repeated. Shannan chose the Wado Kata Wunshu as his trusty aide and it didn’t let him down as he made his way to the final. Unfortunately the final proved one step too far and Shannan had to settle for a well deserved SILVER.
In the Kumite events, Fallon competed in the Girls 10-12yrs, 4th Kyu & Over category. Fallon made a lively start in her opening round fight and pulled back a deficit to tie the scores at the end. Following an extra 1 minute of encho-sen the scores remained level, but with only two judges, they decided to let the girls battle it out for yet another minute. This time Fallon came out the victory but the 4 minutes plus of continuous fighting had worn her down. Fallon’s next opponent was much bigger than Fallon, a good foot taller and she came out aggressively instantly catching Fallon’s throat with an uncontrolled technique. Hurt and tired Fallon bravely carried on but eventually lost out 3-1 running out of steam towards the end.
Competing in the Boys 13-15yrs, 5'2'' & Over, 10-5th Kyu Kumite category was Shannan. With only a small group to contend with, Shannan only needed to win his semi-final round match to make the final which he did winning 2-0 keeping his opponent at bay to secure the match. The final proved a little tougher as he opened the scoring but dropped 2 consecutive points before leveling the score to 2-2 just before the end. Encho-sen (1 minute of extra time) then ensured with the first to score being declared the winner. Shannan didn’t disappoint as his quick hands scored an ‘over-the-top’ Gyak to seal the match and claim another GOLD for the small squad.
Well done to Shannan and Fallon Rayman from the British Wadokai who did well.