STRATFORD Leisure Centre last week played host to a big turnout of Johnson Family Karate members from all over the United Kingdom.
The tournament kicked-off with chief instructor Tony Johnson giving a mesmerising exhibition of precision and accuracy with an impressive high kick which took an apple off a Samurai sword and a brick-breaking masterclass.
This was followed by a Kata that many students had never witnessed before and that Master Johnson had pulled out of the archives especially for the occasion.
This is the second major tournament that has been run by Johnson’s Family Karate club due to the success of the first one last year.
The day was enjoyed by all the participants and for some it was their first experience of a tournament. Two white belts – Naomi and Malachi Clarke from Newburgh Primary School – had an amazing day and even with their limited skills picked up gold and bronze awards in the forms and sparring sessions, which highlighted the importance of the new members’ attitude and enthusiasm.
The day kicked-off at a frenetic pace with two hours of sparring, starting with the juniors and leading up to the adult dan grade final.
After the sparring came the forms (Katas), which showed the control and movement of the karate style.
Master Tony Johnson was delighted with the application shown by all the entrants and was especially thrilled with the juniors, who excelled under the intense scrutiny from the judges.
Last but not least came the weapons which showed the entrants at the top of their game with some impressive moves which included the sword and bong (staff).
The award winners were: Amy Scott (kids grand champion); Adam Kelly (adult grand champion); Barry Stubbs (martial arts spirit award).
All the medals and trophies were given out at the end where Master Tony Johnson thanked all the participants for taking part and expressed to all there was no loser on the day as the taking part was the main point.
A big thank you was given to the parents and supporters who made the event so special and Master Tony Johnson praised Barry Stubbs for winning the martial arts spirit award as he participated in all three sessions with a broken rib, which was an amazing achievement.
Classes for Stratford are held weekly at Stratford Leisure Centre on Thursdays between 6-7pm and Saturdays from 11am to noon. Please contact Rachel Johnson on 07930 171504 or e-mail [email protected] for more details.
Johnson’s Family Karate is open to any age and is great for families to enjoy together. If you would like to embrace new physical training, technical study and educate yourself intellectually about the art of Kong Sudo contact Master Johnson on 07961 853552.
