Four Members of Kimura Shukokai Karate Kent, based in Maidstone, Kent are in their final preparations for the up and coming European Karate Open Championships to be held in Helsinki, Finland 8th-11th May.
Sensei Chris Simpson 3rd Dan will also be travelling with the squad as a referee.
Katie Simpson 3rd Dan currently ranked 2nd in the World is determined to make her mark in her 7th European championship out of 13 caps for England. Simpson will compete in four events Kata (Forms), Kumite (Fighting), Team Kata and Team Kumite. Katie says “I am very proud of my achievements so far, my proudest moment was standing on the podium as the Junior World Kumite Champion in South Africa 2004. I want to go out to this European championship with a clear mind; I feel I have done the work I just have to put it into practice on the mat”.
Jack Cutler 1st Dan, aged 15 yrs is currently ranked 1st in Europe for Kumite. Cutler from Leeds, Maidstone is competing in three events Kata (Forms), Kumite (Fighting) and Team Kata, he is on form and ready to defend his title. Jack has competed for England in 2 international competitions and was unlucky to lose out on a medal position in last year’s World Championship in Atlantic City coming 4th overall. He says “I am determined to defend my European title and will not let anyone stand in my way in Finland”
Adam Axford 1st Dan, aged 14 yrs is currently ranked 2nd in Europe for Kumite and is ready for his second international competition in just a week’s time. Axford of Parkwood, Maidstone and a student at the New Line Learning Academy will compete in three events Kata (Forms), Kumite (Fighting) and Team Kata. Adam has been training hard and is ready to take on Europe. Adam says “I have built on my experience from the European Championships in 2011 and I am determined to take the gold medal in Finland”.
Christine Bordean 1st Dan, aged 14 yrs is currently ranked 3rd in Europe for Kumite and Kata. Bordean from Lenham, Maidstone and a student at Swadelands School will compete in three events Kata (Forms), Kumite (Fighting) and Team Kata. Christine is determined and dedicated attending as many training sessions as she can in the lead up to the European Championships in May. She says “I feel ready for this competition, I have been training hard with the England squad and my instructors and I am ready to go for the gold!”
Christine, Adam and Jack will club together in the Junior Team Kata event, Sensei Katie Simpson says, “The three cadets have put many hours into their team Kata I hope that their hard work will pay off on the day”
Kimura Shukokai Karate Kent Instructors Chris and Katie Simpson along with the three cadets and their families would like to thank everyone who has contributed to fundraising for this trip. “we will hopefully do you all proud”.
If you are interested in helping to sponsor any squad members please contact us at [email protected] or call 07801639052