Earlier this year Kevin Slaney Sensei kindly invited our Petersfield team to the next Highland Karate tournament. We attended the WUKF Scottish Open in June to familiarise ourselves with the demands of taking a team away for a weekend to Scotland, so that when the HKA dates and venue were confirmed we were ready to work.
This time round we decided that we would open the invite to ALL those from our membership who train in our weekly Saturday competition classes. Having worked with Sensei Kevin over the last four years I knew the HKA event would offer the perfect environment for all our team, even those yet to compete outside of our association.
I am very fortunate that the HKA trusted my work when they asked me to start visiting the Highlands to teach. Since then, I have been honoured to get to know Sensei Ronnie Ross much better and work alongside him. So, I was thrilled to bring a team to represent our work here doon-south and, I had faith that our shared principles of friendship and sportsmanship, along with our love of karate would be showcased by all.
Inevitably not all our members who wished to attend could come due to various reasons, work, school, finances etc. But as always, the most important message we wished to convey is that those who train hard regardless of experience or previous successes are valued and welcome. There will always be opportunities open to our team, and I was proud that those who could not attend supported the build up for those who came. #ubuntu
This time round we had a confirmed team of twelve with a healthy mix of age, grade and experience. We decided to suggest flights and hotels but afford everyone the freedom to manage their own bookings. This proved to be a great solution as parents who needed to accommodate work schedules and other commitments had freedom to manage their needs.
A few of us set off at 3am on Friday and headed for Luton for the first flight of the day to Inverness. Others were flying later in the day from Gatwick and Heathrow with everyone due to meet at the Premier Inn ten minutes from the Culloden Competition venue.
As always Sam had done an excellent job of compiling information on flight options and timings. That didn’t stop Anna’s Dad Kev from going rogue and missing his flight. 😊 Thankfully he was able to get a swift train from Gatwick to Luton and rendezvous with the other earlier travellers. Despite Anna’s stress this occasion added another funny story to her dad’s impressive repertoire of anecdotes. #itwastheburgersfault
Aside from the karate, amongst my favourite aspects of these trips is that we all get to know our wider karate family and their parents, spouses and siblings. We were soon enjoying a super early fried-breakfast amongst friends in matching hoodies and jackets.
I closed my eyes as soon as I found my seat on the plane and woke up at 9am in Inverness and we headed for arrivals. When I step off the plane I am always struck by how clean and fresh the air in Inverness is. On this occasion there was a strong cold wind but the one person whose hair it wouldn’t affect was young Ollie whose bespoke plats are a credit to his Mums artistry.
Amongst the early starters were two of the Hart sisters with Jaimee on her first trip and Ciani who has proved a great addition to our dojo since joining in May of this year. This was to be Ciani’s first competition in twenty-five years. #unfinishedbusiness
Those of us who arrived early had hired cars so we met at the Premier Inn, confirmed when we could book in and then swapped vehicles and dispersed sightseeing in different directions.
Unfortunately, in our build up to the event young Raffy (who despite his youth has the most epic sideburns) suffered an injury which meant he was unable to compete. But such is his strength of character that he still came along to support his teammates. While his dad Michael caught up with some important work on his laptop Raffy joined a few of us as we wandered into town.
I soon realised that thanks to Sensei Kevins mentorship I now know my way around Inverness pretty-well. Consequently, I offered up some wonderful, picturesque photo opportunities before we opted for a riverside lunch at Zizzi.
It was here that Raffy earnt his team nickname. After ordering a particularly spectacular refreshment he will forever more been known as ‘Mocktail’. #nameforlife
Throughout the afternoon the team arrived and booked in to our hotel. Bremner flew up with Nick, team Storey arrived from Heathrow and Tommy (aka Big T) arrived with his mum Amanda who as a surprise I had entered for kata. 😊
Soon we began to assemble in the restaurant in time for Sensei Kevin to join us for a Coffee before he headed to the leisure centre to oversee set-up. Elliott (Ice Man) was displaying his normal quiet calm, Ionut was hilariously contemplating the wasted hair-dryer in his room and Jessie (Ashkubi) was busily smiling her way through the day catching up with her teammates.
Kev and Anna had made their Highland tour after quickly hailing a taxi at the airport. I felt for Anna as she explained that they had been booed for delaying the coach, but her dad Kev has a wonderful sense of fun and styled it all out. When they returned, we were all ready for an evening of carbs and fun karate chat.
When Danny Shehata is around fun is guaranteed!
Despite the mega early start I managed without my normal strict afternoon nap and was still in the bar for a final catch up with Sensei Kev. #nextlevelcommitment
It was soon 7am on Saturday and our team met for a cooked breakfast. There were some nervous faces, but this did not seem to effect appetites. It transpires that Anna’s sharp reflexes are fuelled by hashbrowns and the trend was obvious to all. I believe Elliott ate around eight of the potatoe triangles accompanied by the same number of sausages. #championnutrition
We arrived in convoy at the Leisure Centre at 8.45am where I spotted the familiar friendly silhouette of Cuffy who offered his customary friendly welcome. David had been responsible for preparing the new matts for the competition and I am always struck by his sheer enthusiasm for supporting all aspects of karate. He is a great guy. #cuffyforgovernment
As we entered the centre it was great to see Jolie, Neil, Gordy, Colin and many other now familiar faces that I am privileged to call friends. Despite the competitive nature of the day everyone could feel that the event was built on goodwill and friendship. I wish all competitions could feel the same. #inthespiritofkarate
I quickly caught up with Sensei Ronnie Ross before checking all our parents and families were seated before delivering our team talk to the gang. Our teenagers were exhibiting quiet calm while I could sense some nerves on the faces of those about to experience competing at a new venue for the first time. I am certain a few of the veterans were sharing these nerves and I struggle to think of another pursuit that can unite those of all ages and experiences as much as a karate competition.
Before the competition I had worked with one of our team on their own criteria for success and how to manage nerves and mindset. This lesson fuelled and inspired my team talk and I was confident that the message was understood.
The work has been done; it was time to have some fun! #sharedgoals
I wanted to make sure Raffy played an important part in the day, so I set him up to record scores and kata choices. I knew this would be critically important when I reflected post event, and it helped him experience and understand the pace and complexity of a competition.
The event was underway precisely on time (epic work Jolie) and my reflections now are thanks to Raffy’s grasp of my note taking brief. Thank you Raffy.
Jaimee H has been training ferociously lately and thoroughly deserved her space. Despite this being her first trip away she confidently stepped onto the mats in kata and regardless of some close competition secured a second place.
She then confidently took to the mats wearing a headguard for the first time in Ippon kumite. Jaimee’s opponent Nhilah proved to have a fantastic forward attitude which she repeated in the Nihon event to frustrate Jaimee’s performance in both.
Jaimee is a quick learner and after some encouragement from Tommy and Bremner (well done lads) she found a different tactic and approach that served her well in the team Nihon rotation. Her final score secured the team win. Jaimee has a wonderful attitude, and I am sure she will go on to achieve many karate accolades.
Ollie B may be petite in stature, but his confidence is as prominent as his hairstyle. Ollie has always had a fantastic focus since he started with us aged just six years old. It was great to have him and his dad James with us on this trip and Ollie did fantastic work in kata securing first place in his category. He then repeated this in the 3-step event. Well done Ollie.
Recently Ionut has not been as regular at the dojo as he had been on holiday back home in Romania. No doubt however he was running and practicing kata every day. Ionut has now been training with us for over ten years and has a wonderful Sochin kata which he displayed in the first round.
He then suffered a slight wobble with his Gankaku and the first-place position was tied. Ionut demonstrated his maturity with another strong Sochin in the tie-braker to secure the first-place spot in veteran black belt kata. #baldisbetter
Jacob S joined us from the AKA South Downs dojo when his family moved to the Meon Valley. He did us and his former Sensei proud on his first trip on the road or should I say ‘up-the-rood’?
JJ takes his karate very seriously and if he isn’t careful can put himself under a little too much pressure. I could see that he was keeping on-track but was managing his nerves by adjusting his timing. Despite his nerves his composed stances and precise technique helped him secure third place in a large category, but it was the kumite where he would come into his own.
Jacob moved very well and was extremely sharp in attack. After some fast-paced rounds he was triumphant in the final against a talented fighter from Oban. No less than Jacob deserved for all his hard work.
Ciani has a wonderful energy and positive attitude to life. It was great to see her confidently walk on to the mats and perform Ninjushi-ho competitively. In the next round she chose Empi and again produced a solid performance securing second place in the female black belt kata event. It’s great to have Ciani with us offering another fantastic example to all, especially the young ladies in our group. Thank-you Louise Goble for recommending our dojo earlier this year. #goteamaka
Jessie has grown into a composed kata performer and come a long way since joining us nervously with her sister Marley. Her confidence seems to grow at every event, and she decided to perform Tekki Shodan at this competition after some frustration at our last event in Birmingham.
Jessie’s strategy paid off and she secured first place in her category. Another piece of silver wear in a successful year for ankles.
If you take a moment to imagine the busiest business-person you know then add to that a smiley disposition while they lead a large happy family. Then you may have just pictured Amanda our green belt secret weapon.
Amanda was coming to support her son Tommy, but I entered her for veteran kyu grade kata. Whilst she admitted to being nervous, she first displayed a confident and smooth Heian Sandan before my misunderstanding over repeating kata nearly cost her a victory. Thankfully Sensei Ronnie allowed Amanda to perform Heian Nidan in the next round and much to her surprise she was victorious and secured a strong first place.
Josh from Inverness, who I was sad to see in a sling due to injury, complimented Amanda’s performance and I was proud to agree. Amanda, you did a great job! #mumsontour
In kata Tommy W decided not to play it safe and opted for Nijushi-ho in the first round.
Overall, it was a good performance but sadly a missed kiai compromised his points. Tommy then suffered a slip in his Bassai Dai and a year ago this unfortunate start in kata would have got to him and spoilt his day.
But Tommy has grown physically and emotionally over the last eighteen months, and he regrouped impressively for kumite. He came second in Ippon kumite and then first in Sanbon after displaying an impressive sweep and follow up in an earlier round.
Ice Man Elliott has missed a few classes recently due to illness but he is cool under pressure so can never be overlooked. He took a sensible decision and stuck to Heian katas in the eliminations and deserved his strong second place finish.
He was then the victor over Tommy in the Ippon event before Tommy reversed the result in the Sanbon with Els finishing third. These guys know each other’s karate so well it is hard for them not to neutralise each other in competition. #karatebessies
If personality equated to size, then Bremner would be eight feet tall but now he has stepped up an age category he is often one of the smaller athletes. He has a wonderful sense of confidence and fun. Against taller opponents he is working his timing and movement to great effect which has really stood out recently. Brem didn’t place in kata but secured third in Ippon kumite and then second in sanbon. Wonderful and a return to form. #greatgizami
Anna recently passed her brown belt (last weekend) and stepped up confidently for kata. She was disappointed with her third place, but I felt she performed with great composure and focus. In the kumite Anna stepped up a gear and once again showcased her wonderful timing and feel for distance.
Anna was impressive and secured first place in both the ippon and sanbon events. She has come a long way since joining us as a shy youngster a few years ago.
Throughout the day Raffy was busily collating notes and scores for me. He has an innocent love of life that I hope he never loses. I was proud that he was focused on each mat and recording everything to the best of his ability. Thanks Mocktail 😊.
At the end of the day, it was time for the big showcase event where 8 members from Petersfield would compete against 8 members from the Highlands for the prestigious trophy yet to be revealed. Sensei Kevin had joked with me that the trophy should be fun while we were sure everyone would take the event seriously. His concept was that if a success this showcase could become our equivalent of crickets ‘the Ashes’.
Our teams lined up and I revealed my beautifully branded referee t-shirt that I had been gifted by my hosts (Thank you I love merch 😊). When Kevin gave it to me, he told me I was part of the family and that meant a great deal.
The team event was a closely contested affair and a wonderful way to finish the day. The atmosphere in the hall was electric and Petersfield (England) prevailed with the slimmest of margins winning 4 bouts versus 3, there was one draw. Big shout out to Grace from the SEKA association who fought alongside us.
Everyone fought extremely well but Bremner had a standout performance winning his match in the last five seconds with an awesome head shot. Anna remained undefeated in kumite all day.
As the event closed, we surrounded Sensei Ross for speeches and presentations. It was wonderful to listen as Sensei Ronnies eyes welled during a heartfelt speech in honour of Kevin. I could see Kev’s eyes well up too as he was awarded his seventh dan to a massive applause. I was honoured to be there to see it as were all our team and their families.
For various reasons many of us karate seniors become Ronin over time, and I find such a wonderful dynamic between the Seniors of the HKA very inspiring.
My personal favourite definition of Nanadan (7th dan) is from the late great Asai Sensei of the JKS who said:
‘Nanadan is granted to those who devote their lives to karate training, and mentally and physically have matured at the highest level’.
I think that sums up Sensei Kevins devotion and commitment beautifully.
After receiving his diploma Kevin announced the winners of the showcase match and presented us with the prestigious Highland Coo cuddly toy which has now become the must win Shotokan object of desire. I placed it into the shaky hands of Kayleigh to look after and I have never seen her look more worried.
As we left the hall it was great to chat, hug and laugh with our friends old and new. Sensei Phil must have predicted that we would need an energy boost as he presented Sam with Harry Gow Dream rings for the whole team. Thanks Phil, not all heroes wear capes 😊
Amanda and Tommy had to head straight to the airport as Amanda had a gymnastics tournament in Oxford the next day. #machine. So, I dropped them off and congratulated them once again.
After returning to our hotel we realised that some of our younger members were spent emotionally and physically so wouldn’t be able to join everyone for dinner. Selfishly I was gutted, but I completely understand. This is the first time we have travelled with 8,9- and 10-year-olds so it was a new experience for us too. They did great to make it through the day.
After a quick celebration refreshment with Sensei Kevin nine of us then walked to the town centre where we met up with our wonderful hosts for a fantastic Indian meal. The company was wonderful and the karate stories plentiful. It was a fabulous evening and Raffy had another interesting mocktail!
The next day a few of the team had flown home on the 6am flights while the rest of us met for breakfast before departing for sightseeing at Loch Ness. This was where the true warriors revealed themselves with Ciani and Elliott braving the Baltic conditions and submerging themselves in the freezing waters. It was incredible. James did dip his feet too. I was happy not to get involved. #madpeople
We filled the rest of the day with sightseeing, laughs and food with a cohort of us landing back in Luton at nine pm. It was an amazing weekend full of fun, karate and friendship.
When I was growing up at Portchester dojo one of our memorable seniors was called Ian Donachie. He was a fun-loving black belt with a unique sense of fashion and fun.
A true individual.
Sadly, Ian passed away recently after a shock diagnosis for a terminal illness. His service was last Friday and both myself and Sam had to miss it due to our commitment to our Highlands visit.
Ian was a fun filled individual with a strong sense of family. In our last conversation he spoke to me proudly of his son Alex and happily gave me grief about something to do with karate before smiling and paying a few compliments. Sorry I wasn’t there last week to celebrate your life, Ian. But I will always remember you, a true one-off individual happy to be themselves. #ratty
Thanks again Kevin and all at the HKA for a wonderful, memorable and valuable experience.
For now the Coo lives with us …… until we meet again.
Osu.
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