AMA National Championships, Leigh

The Amateur Martial Association is the largest multi-style martial arts association in the UK. On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July they held their national championships in karate, kickboxing and ju-jitsu at Leigh Sports Village.

Darwen’s Tower Shukokai Karate Club sent 5 athletes to the event to compete in kata (forms) and kumite (fighting) events.

The kata events on Saturday saw fifth dan assistant coach Martyn Skipper and second dan Philip Wan compete in the Veterans (over 35 years) division. Both men progressed to the last six which saw competitors from across the country pit their skills. Eventual winner was the Army’s national champion, Brian Hall. A close second was Philip Wan, with Martyn taking third place. This is the second time that the younger Tower member has beaten his senior in kata competition. Skipper observed; “This is the natural order of things; the student begins to beat the teacher. Phil has put a lot of hard work into his karate and continues to improve.” On the same day Philip also competed in the senior kata event in the style of “Shito-Ryu” but was unable to progress beyond the eliminations.

On the Sunday the two veterans were joined by junior members, Daniel Allwood 11 year old green belt, and 9 year old blue belt Angus McIver. Also competing was Martyn’s daughter Imogen. A former England Junior International, Imogen, 17, was making a nervous return to competition after a sabbatical studying for her AS levels.

Daniel, son of Chief Instructor Andy, fought in the boys under 150cm Kumite. Many of the competitors were much more experienced but Dan is a tough fighter and gave his first round opponent a battle, but was eliminated. Diminutive Angus of Edgworth was in the under 140cm category. He is a tactical fighter with a wide range of techniques in his armoury, notably a fast right hand to the face. He used this to fine effect, along with some neat kicking to bring home a bronze medal.

Martyn and Phil competed in the Veterans kumite. Despite Martyn’s assurances that he had retired from competition, the pull of the mat was too much to resist. A large and classy field included many internationals so this was going to be a tough event. In his first round match Philip was winning on points when his opponent panicked and lashed out with an uncontrolled punch, breaking the Darwen man’s nose. A disqualification for his opponent meant Phil progressed to the quarter finals but under medical advice he instead went to A&E for treatment. Former European Champion Martyn progressed to the Semi-finals where he met a former English champion, Gary Foxwell. On this occasion Foxwell was the victor giving Martyn his second bronze of the weekend. Foxwell went on to take the title in an exciting final with Liverpool’s Damion Wood.

QEGS sixth former Imogen topped the weekend off with the Cadets (15-17 years) 60kg+ title, beating friend and English Champion Courtney Dean Gallagher on the way.

Club Chief Instructor, Andy Allwood commented: “From a small squad this is an excellent result. It’s a proud day for Tower Shukokai”.

Tower Shukokai meets at Edgworth School on Mondays and Saturdays and caters for all ages, male and female. For more information see www.towershukokai.co.uk or call Andy on 07960 794160.