This years annual Karate Jutsu Kai National Karate Championships were held at Ashford Stour Centre on Saturday 15th June 2012 and marked a very successful day for Wimbledon Karate Jutsu Kai. In total 5 junior members represented the Wimbledon Club at this national level tournament, which saw children and adults from clubs across England, Wales and Scotland competing to a very high standard. For all 5 juniors who took part it was their first national level tournament, and all took part in the Kumite (karate sparring) events. A special mention goes to junior member Luca who won his first fight after two very close rounds against a more experienced student.

The tournament was also a successful day for club instructors Sempai Matt and Sempai Ellie. Sempai Matt won 2nd place in the advanced senior kata and 3rd place in the advanced men’s knockdown karate event, after a close fight against international fighter Dan Croft who came 3rd at the recent IBK World Cup in Holland.

Sempai Ellie won 1st place in the senior women’s Karate and women's Kickboxing events, retaining both titles from the 2011 tournament. Sempai Ellie also gained 3rd place in the advanced senior kata event.

A successful day all round! The junior class for children aged 6+ continues to train every Tuesday evening between 6:30pm and 7:30pm at Albemarle Primary School, Princes Way, Southfields, and welcomes new members of all abilities. See www.karatejutsukai.com/wimbledon for more information.

Based on information supplied by Ellie Murphy.