Double Bronze for York Karate
At the rising of the sun on Saturday 15th November, a team of eight from the University of York Karate Club set off to Chesterfield for the KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) Student Nationals. Of the eight competitors, Brian Yarr and Charlotte Willans returned to York with fourth and third place medals respectively.
The competition started at 10 am, but the preparations started far earlier. For the last few weeks the training has focused progressively more towards the competition. Some members prepared by attending the Northern Regions Karate Competition, also attended by England internationals.
To be successful in a karate match requires controlled aggression, thinking of nothing but the competitor, concentrating on only you and them. This makes the preparation of a proper mindset crucial. Kumite has a lot to do with technique, precision, speed and strength although a large amount is psychology and tactics. "The worst part of the fight is standing on the side waiting for your name to be called. Once you are standing there facing your opponant all concentration and energy is focussed between you and them – everything else in the room is forgotton,” said Kumite fighter Charlotte Willans.
The karate club teaches three separate disciplines: Kihon, the study of the individual techniques such as punching, blocking and kicking; Kata, sequential performances of these techniques emphasising technical ability; and Kumite, the use of karate techniques in a one on one fighting situation. Kata and Kumite are the two disciplines performed in competition.
At the KUGB Student Nationals, the Kata event required the competitors to master five specific Kata, each with its own movements and style. In each round two karateka perform the same Kata side by side; with judges deciding which of the two competitors makes the next round. Brian Yarr was able to keep his cool and earn 4th place in the competition.
Kumite is a very different event to Kata, and comes in both individual and team flavours. To win at individual you fight an opponent, and have to score techniques against them. A fight lasts for two minutes, and is to one point, however most successful techniques are only awarded half a point. Tom Berry’s mental mindset before and during a kumite match is, "Kill them. Just kill them."
Richard Glascodine describes, “I was kicked in the stomach and flew across the mat landing on my arse,” which awarded his opponent a full point. A technique will only score if it hits a target, and the attacker maintains control of it, ensuring that competitors do not get injured. Charlotte Willans came 3rd in the female individual Kumite competition.
“While only two members won medals, everyone gained experience and we are now relishing the chance to compete at next year's competition,” said Neil Mitchell, when asked his opinion on the success of the event.
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