Members of the Kimura Shukokai Karate Kent club are facing their biggest fight yet as they look to raise funds to compete in America.

Up to seven members of the squad based in Maidstone ae hoping to travel to the Kimura Shukokai International (KSI) World Karate Championships, which are to be held in Atlantic City, USA between 8th and 16th July.

Kimura Shukokai Karate Kent is a proud member of the Shukokai Karate Federation (SKF) and all students train under the guidance of Sensei Chris and Katie Simpson and also with the England Squad under World Chief Instructor Shihan E. Daniels 8th Dan and Coaches Sensei Clem Braithwaite 7th Dan, Sensei Solfrid Daniels, Sensei Paul Richards and Sensei Audun Daniels 5th Dan.

The seven members of the squad, all with previous success in both National and International tournaments hope to join other members of the SKF’s England Squad in competing in the World Championships.

As with so many non Olympic sports there is little, if any, central funding avaliable to meet the training, travel, kit and accommodation costs associated with representing England at World level. Each student spends many hours training hard to try and acheive success.

It is anticipated that each individual will have to raise in the region of £1500-£2000 to enable them to travel and compete in the championships and whilst they have already undertaken a 20 mile sponsored walk, held raffles, and other fundraising events a considerable amount is still needed to reach their targets.

Katie Simpson explained the battle her club were facing in securing the necessary funding to get them to the States:

“It’s not easy in this financial climate to get sponsors, but we’re determined to do everything we can to get there.”

“It would be nice if we can get all seven of us out there to compete as we’ve shown that we can win medals and it would be a real shame if we weren’t given that chance.”

“As karate isn’t an Olympic sport, we don’t get the exposure that other sports do, especially this year, but we’re exploring all avenues to find the funding we need.”

Her father, Chris, is also hoping to be part of the team that makes the journey in July and explained how he got into karate:

“I had been taking Katie to various events for a while and thought instead of watching on from the sidelines, I’d get involved and have loved every minute of it since.”

With funding such an issue for his club, Chris talked about some of the initiatives the squad were employing to raise the money needed to get to America:

“We’ve taken part in a twenty mile walk from Lenham to Canterbury and now we’re looking at something along the lines of doing a sponsored kick, where we do 5,000 kicks, one for each mile between here and America.”

Like many youngsters, football, cricket and hockey are the preferred choice of sport at weekends, but at the Kingsdown Village Hall you’ll find an abundance of kids of all ages wanting to be part of a sport that gets little recognition, but keeps you fit, whilst promoting skills such as self discipline.

Thirteen year old Jack Cutler is one of those hoping to make it to America in July and told KSN why he loved karate so much:

“It teaches you self-discipline and self recpect, along with respect for others. It should give you that extra edge for later on in life if anyone ever starts on you!”

Christien Boarden is another thirteen year old with a desire to be onboard a plane come July:

“It would be an absolute dream to go and be part of it all. It would be a dream come true as karate is fun and it is like being part of a family at the club.”

Sixteen year old Samantha Riddell trains three or four times a week and is hoping that level of commitment will help her achieve her goals:

“I’d love to go to America and show what I can do. We’re all trying our hardest, not only to get the money we need to go, but to train as hard as we can, so when we get there we do England proud.”

Another sixteen year old hoping to make the trip across the Atlantic is Elle Osbourne and she told KSN :

“I want to do well for everyone that has helped me train, especially for my karate teachers. I’ve been doing karate for

about five years now and it is such a great sport to be part of.”

“My school, Highworth Grammar School, have been really good in helping me, but we need more support from people out there.”

Lastly, thirteen year old Adam Axford explained why he was desperate to get to America:

“Last year I was in the European Championships and I came second in the boys. I want to make sure I at least achive that when we go to America.”

“It’s not really about the medals, it will be a good experience, but if I do win I’d be chuffed.”

If you or your organisation are prepared to assist these athletes in reaching their goal then please contact them at: [email protected]