The Basel Masters, Switzerland.

Originally a small squad of 6 students put their names forward to travel to Switzerland for the Basel Masters International. This was the ideal number to make up two kata teams and although only 6 there was some fantastic quality from those chosen. 

 

Luckily the organiser Christian Wilhelms was most obliging and allowed a substitute to compete in both kata teams this may of been the deciding factor in us actually going as the whole trip was in jeopardy due to the students injury.

So off we set with the original squad of 5 now bolstered by Luke Chatterje and Reuben Fellows also giving it a go. 

We arrived around lunchtime at Basel and we all went our own ways to do a bit exploring. The following day we all met nice and early for a full sight seeing day round the city. Which for me was the high light of the trip, Basel itself is an interesting place to explore and far from unattractive. The people were friendly, there were some fantastic pubs with a vibrant night life and a top notch free tram service. The only downside was the expense, especially where food was concerned.

The tournament itself was of an exceptional standard throughout and I was pleased with the girls performances. The teams were both hard done by and I personally think one of the few bad decisions of the day was the team final for our older girls in particular.

Individual kata was tough but yet again this year the hard work and dedication of Eve Palmer paid off as she took gold. 

Kumite was as hard as the kata and I could not of been happier when Emma made it to the open weight final. Anais again took gold in a nail biting bout as Emma gave it 100% against her much taller friend and opponent. 

 

The success at the competition crowned a glorious weekend which I thoroughly enjoyed and will never forget. It was worth the expense.

 

 

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