KUGB Grand Slam 2015

Biannual competition between the squads of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Photos

View photos of the competition.

Competition Report

Yesterday, 28th February, the twice yearly KUGB grand slam event took place in Chesterfield in which the National teams of England, Scotland, Wales, Norther Ireland and the Republic of Ireland took part.

England were represented by CUKC members:

Francisco Martinez
Herve Vandekerckhove
Marcus Ingham

Maddy Wood (ex CUKC women's captain) also represented England

Francisco and Herve demolished their opposition with conviction in the elimination rounds of the senior men's individual kumite. Both proceeded to the semi final where unfortunately they were drawn to fight each other. The fight proceeded much like the weekly encounters at Monday night squad training at CUKC with each knowing the others every potential move.

Towards the end of the two minutes with both opponents starting from their lines following an intervention by the referee, Herve took the initiative and closed in with a very fast kura zuki jodan which proved to be the winning score.

In the final, despite a very closely contested match, between Herve and Jo Rawcliffe (current KUGB individual kumite champion), Jo triumphed. The final result saw Herve finishing 2nd and Francisco 3rd. These were outstanding results in a high quality field and will no doubt factor in considerations for selection for the ESKA European championships in November.

Both Herve and Francisco were selected for the five man England senior kumite team and both won their fights against Wales to help secure a 4-1 win over Wales.


Other results -
Marcus despite a very competent performance of heian go dan in the elimination rounds, lost in the senior men's kata eliminations to the eventual winner and ex world junior champion - Jack Summer

Maddy despite a valiant performance in the senior ladies individual kumite lost to the England Women's captain Rhian Blundel.

Congratulations to all on these fantastic performances.