Kentish Express Ashford & District
English takes victory in thriller
Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai won nearly 50 medals in more than 20 categories in the National Tournament at the Stour Centre.
They won 16 gold medals, 15 silver and 14 bronze, as well as achieving clean sweeps in 10 of the competitions.
Two cadets, Ashford’s Eden English and Davina McDonagh from Tenterden were involved in one of the best fights of the day.
Both went toe-to-toe in the first round but it was English’s technique and stamina which edged her to victory and the Most Spirited Fighter Award.
Defending champion Danny Smithers won the high-grade kumite and senior kickboxing titles, while newcomer Brett Ainsworth won the kumite, narrowly missing out on a podium spot in the kickboxing
Ellie Miller also impressed with her grace and timing in an excellent kata demonstration.
Other notable performances came from Bobbie Garrett, Courtney Cambridge, James Burton, Evie Osborne, Jay Booth, Jessica Pollock, Ryan Jones, Ethan Miller, Oliver and Dillon Dochery, Katie Mae and Bethany Ainsworth.
Meanwhile, Charlie and Aaron Clark and Samuel Stevenson all put in excellent performances on the mat.
Guest of honour, Kancho Bernard Creton, Karate Jutsu Kai association founder, was unable to attend due to illness.
The club’s seniors are looking forward to their trip to Denmark next month to take part in a week-long training camp, including a grading session. Anyone interested in joining either the karate or kickboxing classes can visit www.ashfordjutsukai.co.uk or via Facebook and Twitter.