It was another great day out for the Letterkenny Shotokan Karate Club, this time at the 16th Ulster Karate Do Invitation Tournament.
Teams from both across the country and internationally arrived in Burnfoot on Saturday to compete across every level of competition in Kobudo (weapons), Kata (demonstration of technique) and Kumite (sparring).
It was a full day of hustle and bustle in the Aileach Youth and Community Centre, packed with competitors, coaches, judges and spectators with an atmosphere of nervous excitement all around.
Sensei John Wilkie was on hand to guide the LSKC squad that consisted of Teresa and Grace Gallagher, Megan and Noah Callaghan, Catherine Deeney, Andrii Barabash and Gerard Foley. It’s no easy thing to step forward into big tournaments and put your skills to the test, especially for the first time. For many on the team it was their first foray but after weeks of training and anxious anticipation in the run up to the event, the day finally came and everyone passed with flying colours.
Taking away two gold, four silver and two bronze medals, as well as great experience, the LSKC team are straight back to training for the next tournament. As John Wilkie says, “if you want to progress or win medals or even become a champion, you have to train and train and train!” Classes are back this week, nearly every day of the week, down at the Letterkenny Community Centre and new members are always welcome to come along.
The team thank Sensei John, Christopher and Peter for all their expertise and dedication, and a thank you to the organisers of the tournament, the UKF and WUKF for putting it all together so successfully.
A huge thanks to the Letterkenny Shotokan Karate Club for sending us this report from the tournament.
