Sheffield National Championships
This year's National was a busier affair than last year and the standard appears to get higher every year.
Early morning warm ups.
We entered a large squad of twenty one students and our medal tally was
- 6 gold,
- 8 silver,
- 20 bronze.
Most impressive on the day was Eleisha Mitchinson who won three gold medals wiping the floor in her kata sections. She also got bronze in team kumite.
Other high achievers:
- Megan Purvis (who partnered Eleisha) - two gold and two bronze medals.
- Chloe Million - one gold and two silver medals.
- Liam Million - one silver and two bronze medals.
- Simone Stewart - two silver and one 1 bronze medal.
Although he did not win a gold medal Liam had a great day, fighting brilliantly in his kumite events. Fighting for their first time in a national competition were Hannah Nicholson and Simone Stewart who both showed tremendous heart and courage. Hannah won a bronze in individual kumite and Simone Stewart was narrowly beaten in the final to win silver.
Bailey Baker returned to training a few months back after an injury and in the individual kumite he was 7-0 ahead fighting in the reprocharge for bronze medal when an unfortunate kick to the fingers ended his day.
The club as a whole performed admirably. Everyone gave 100% effort which is the minimum that is expected if you are part of the Dokan squad.
Simone Stewert fighting in the finals.
Heading home. The squad outside Ponds Forge.