Bristol Dragons Karate - Testimonials

It was Saturday 8th March 2008 when I proceeded to drive around the Southmead estate, Bristol in order to collect and fill my student quota for the minibus trip to the English Karate Organisation European Championships in Cocks Wood, Birmingham. Each house I turned up at just after 6am had the students ready and waiting for the trip almost bursting forth from their doors as mums & dads struggled to snatch a hug and kiss. They all looked splendid in their green club polo shirts as they entered the bus, both of which were gifts from our sponsor for the 2nd year running Cliff and The Carol Bus. This was our 2nd year only of entering and I had 5 confident students of Maddie McLeod, Will Perks, Charlotte Perks, Kai Ford and Callum Littlefield all entering, with Charlotte entering 2 events this time and Kai & Maddie joining us for the 1st time. After the usual rest stops we arrived at the Leisure Centre and entered the Dojo for the competition. It was only at this point that the true nerves began to show but with a strong backing of support (11) other club members and 2 very graceful parents in support they were ready TO TAKE ON THE WORLD. As a judge/referee I bid my good luck and farewell to my guys and presented myself to Sensei Dave Sharkey, who is the organiser of this excellent event and Chairman of the EKO. It was emphasised by Sensei Dave and agreed unanimously by all that we would strive to ensure that this was the safest and fairest event ever held. I believe that this was borne to fruition and a fair playing field was displayed by nearly all competitors.

As the day drew to a close we gathered for a group photo and I bade my farewell to Sensei Dave. As per always the kids from the club acted with impeccable manners and were of immense personal pride for myself and the club. We had a very good run on only our 2nd visit to the arena and the guys held themselves incredibly well against belts far senior to their own with no less than 4 quarter Final places in total with Charlotte gaining 2 of those, and one each to our competition newcomers Maddie and Kai.

A buzzing bus was filled again and after a KFC treat for the guys on the outskirts of Birmingham the final student was returned home by 9pm that night. Thanks to Cliff we were able to give a large age range of our students a taste of what they can achieve and all left in awe of the standards demonstrated. So impressed were they with the standards shown by competitors and officials alike and I have no less than 10 want to compete in next year’s event, which I believe is true testament to both their commitment and that of Sensei Dave, without whom an event like this would not be possible and they would not have the chance to put into practice all that we endeavour to teach them. AGAIN A FANTASTIC DAY OUT and a shining example of why I am both proud to call these guys my students and belong to the EKO.

Sensei Steve Bartlett
Chief Instructor Bristol Dragons

On Saturday 8th March 2008 I went to the EKO Championships in Birmingham. On the way there is the minibus I felt tired and nervous because I found it hard to remember my Kata.

When we finally got there I felt happy and thought I was just going to do my best. When I got up there in the ring I was glad because I had loads of tension in my Kata, but nerves got me half way through and I sadly lost but I did my best. The Sensei on the ring told me I had done very well and not too worry.

It is the best EKO competition I have ever been to because last year was our 1st and it was very confusing but this year it was very clear and Sensei Steve had told us where we needed to be and the rings were very clearly marked.

After I felt happy as I had done my kata but I was ok with not wining as the other person was better than me in the end. On the way back I felt ecstatic because we believed we had done the best we could. Sensei Dave, who runs the EKO is a very good instructor because he makes sure everyone does their stuff properly and that is good. My Judges were strict but very good.

Written by
Callum Littlefield Age 10

Charlotte: We were all representing our class, so we had to do them proud. I was nervous at first. The moment I heard my name, my heart skipped a beat. But when I actually got on those mats, in front of the judges, you feel ready and energetic. The judges were the ones who had the power as they have to decide who goes through, so I respected them with loads of bows, and loud responses. You give it all you’ve got, while stood up there. All I heard was my fellow classmates cheering my name. It made me feel special yet, got to do the best I possibly can. After telling the judges the kata I was doing, it was the important part. Actually performing the kata! Everyone’s eyes were on you. While you were stood, shaking, the judges had a difficult decision to make. I wanted to know their decision. I got through to the next round. I felt like screaming and hugging the judges as I had 2 out of 3 hands. But that meant I had to go through it all over again. That’s when I really wanted to do better than before. I was sat there patiently, ready for my name to be called. I watched all of the other competitors. They seemed really good. I got pretty far in the kata but not far enough to win a trophy. I got through to the semi-finals and I lost 2 out of 3. But never mind! I tried my best, and it was the experience and the guts that made people proud of me.

Nearly half a day had gone, and I had to do kumite next. I was put in with the 5ft 3 females. They were all higher belts than me. And guess what I was a red belt fighting a black belt. She looked rough and eager to win. I put all my effort I had left into this one fight. I didn’t get through to the next round. But who cares.

I fought against a black belt, and stuck at it. It was all over for me but in the 16th round it was my brothers turn.

William:Ring 16 I was the last person to take part so the nerves started to kick in but my friends from my class were really supportive telling me I will be fine when I got in the ring and started fighting it felt like no one was there I lost by half a point but I lasted the full minute I enjoyed the experience but felt my opponent should have been disqualified because he made contact with my face which got to me.

Everyone there was amazing. They all treated us with respect especially all of the judges. All of Bristol Dragons were co-ordinated. As Cliff (our sponsor) had hired us a bus to go and made us our own shirt , they were groovy. We all trained really hard to become the standard that we are. Sensei Steve, helped us with it all, as we had to get our moves perfect. Without him we wouldn’t have been there. It was really fun and the experience to be there was breath taking. It was good watching everyone, as you can see what sort of style they perform as and what kind of competition you had against them.

By William and Charlotte Perks