Despite only taking a small team to the annual SEMKA kata contest Roffey students had a very successful day

The contest was held on Saturday 11th March 2006 under the WKO rules. Over 80 competitors took part from around Sussex. From further afield was a team from Golden Dragon Karate in Ireland who had as part of their team a World Championships silver medallist.

Roffey had a team of 4 seniors and 7 juniors taking part and between them notched up three First places two seconds and a third, an absolutely fantastic acheivement. The winners were Josh Lucas in the under 9 green - purple belt section, who won with a very focussed Pinan Nidan. Just to keep it in the family Paul Lucas won the senior kyu grades section (this went up to 1st kyu)with an equally focussed Seishan. I think that the duration of his kata was the longest time Paul has gone without grinning about something. He did grin afterwards though. Martin Reeves retained his grip on the weapons kata section with an amazingly fast kata.

Will Anderson who was also in the under 9 green - purple secured third place and Alex Taylor competing in the white to orange under 9s came through in second place.
All of these three have not competed before and their katas were very impressive, they caught the eye of Sensei Gary Swift 7th Dan who was very complimentary.

Sophie McKenzie entered the weapons kata for the first time and for a while was just in front of Martin. Sophie only started learning her kata around six weeks ago. Both their katas looked very fast and polished and obviously impressed the judges with Sophie just losing out in the final round and taking second place.

Also competing in the juniors were Jake Gallard, who came up against a section that included two second Dan black belts and a world silver medallist. His kata maintained his normal high standard but his opposition was just too strong. Jamie Coe suffered an unfortunate injury whilst practicing, but very bravely performed his kata despite his injury. Unfortunately this affected his kata and he did not get through the round. Kelly Overington competed in a group which included black belts and despite a very solid kata missed out. She jumped straight back with Jake and Josh to form an entry for the junior team kata. They only had a very short while to practice but again they produced a strong kata which Sensei Swift commented on. They just missed out on third place.

The other Seniors Pennie Roscoe and Elaine Overington competed in the Senior kyu grades section. Penny produced a strong Naihanchi but missed out to a very high kata (Seienchin). Elaine won her first round then lost to the eventual winner Paul. Andy Coe competed in the Senior black belt section and despite a win eventually missed out.

The day was enjoyed by all and the team showed excellent spirit focus and sportsmanship, and for that a special thank you.

There will be pictures posted on the gallery section as soon as possible