News from 2019
FEKO National Open Championships
9 Feb 2020
4 of Leeds Shotokan Karate Clubs most senior competitors made the short trip over to Ponds Forge, Sheffield to compete in the FEKO National Open Championships.
The competition offered the chance to compete against athletes from different styles and associations, as well as compete under different rule sets. Given that Leeds Shotokan only entered 4 competitors to compete against many National Associations its was always going to be challenging day. That being said, we were not let down as all 4 brough home medals with Ethan Armstrong and Jade Stapleton-Smith both being crowned champions of their events.
The Senior team narrowly missed out losing a close battle in the final to a world championship winning Karate England team.
Luciano Zanuni and Sensei Caroline McGrath both claimed bronze medals in their individual events.
Congratulations guys.
Gold - Ethan Armstrong - Men’s u85 Kumite
Gold - Jade Stapleton-Smith - Men’s u75 Kumite
Silver - Senior men’s team Kumite
Bronze - Sensei Caroline McGrath - Ladies Shobbu Ippon Kumite
Bronze - Sensei Caroline McGrath - Ladies Shobbu Sanbon Kumite
Bronze - Luciano Zanuni - Men’s u85 Kumite
KUGB England Squad Selection
26 Jan 2020
After a well deserved Christmas break Leeds Shotokan's elite competitors headed down to Burton as they faced the KUGB England Kumite Squad selection process.
This year was a little strange as it was the first selection since Sensei Ryan Tucker took the decision to retire from competition after many years on the International scene.
Despite the change of location the selection, and subsequent training session were as gruelling as ever. With everyone given one chance to impress Sensei Andy Sherry. All of Leeds Shotokan's students who were trying out for the squad showed terrific heart, determination and skill as they were all selected onto this years squad. We would like to extend a massive congratulations to Kishan Sharma who was selected to the squad for the very first time!
Gaining selection to the squad is an incredibly prestigious honour, but it also a big commitment. Succesfull squad members must trainvery hard throughout the year. They must attend several squad sessions throughout the year, compete in the KUGB Grandslam Events, as well as the usual competition calendar. If they perform well throughout the year there is a chance that they could be selected for the European Championships in Moscow at the end of November!
We wish our squad memebers all the very best for another successful year!
Leeds Shotokan - KUGB England Kumite Squad
Sensei Caroline McGrath
Ethan Armstrong
Nathan Brady
Tushan Joseph
Luciano Zanuni
Jade Stapleton-Smith
Kishan Sharma
Liberty Vernon
Leeds Shotokan 2019 Awards Evening
15 Dec 2019
Congratulations to all the winners who picked up an award at our Christmas presentation evening this weekend. It was a very tough and long debated decision by the instructors as to who our eventual winners would be.
Best Adult Kyu Grade - John Timperley
Best Child Kyu Grade - Adam Hussain
Most Improved Kyu Grade - Stavroula Angoura
Leeds Shotokan Clubman - Carolyn Sutton
Most Improved Competitor - Nathan Brady
Instructors Student - Jade Stapleton-Smith
Best Performance - Ethan Armstrong
Competitor of the year - Luciano Zanuni.
We are also very proud to announce that Sensei Caroline Magrath has agreed to be our latest instructor. Sensei as many know comes with a huge amount of Karate expertise and talent and we are very lucky to have her train and now teach here at Leeds Shotokan.
Finally it was a chance to present to some of our students their hard earned grading certificates. Well done to you all for another incredible year, it is truly humbling to see the hard work and dedication that is put in. From White Belts to World Champions, we are all proud to be part of Leeds Shotokan, and we are always striving to improve.
It has been a privilege to teach you all this year.
Leeds Shotokan Club Grading
7 Dec 2019
December saw the final Kyu Grading of the year with Sensei Garry Harford 8th Dan.
As every Sensei was very impressed with all the students and offered some fantastic feedback to the students for further improvements. It is so important that Leeds Shotokan Students always strive for excellence. It can only be achieved through hard work, dedication, and regular training and those who are really stand out at these gradings.
Congratulations to all who graded, we are very proud of you.
1st Kyu Georgie Lawrence, Billy Pinder, Kishan Sharma, Arthur Turner
2nd Kyu Leshan Roe, Esme Devine
3rd Kyu John Pinder, Lukas Hylton, Maya Sharma, Reece Harrison
4th Kyu Taney Nair, Mustafa Younes, Elsie Pinder
5th Kyu Liam Chawner
6th Kyu Mariam Bokhari, Amina Bokhari, Autumn Howden, John Timperley
7th Kyu Arek Koziel, Adam Hussain
8th Kyu Stavroula Angoura
9th Kyu Amir Hussain
KUGB Northern Region Championships 2019
20 Oct 2019
Leeds Shotokan Karate Club enjoyed another terrific weekend at the KUGB Northern Region Championships. The Northern Region event is held at the University of Sunderland and attracts the best Karateka and clubs from all around the Northern areas hoping to win at this prestigious event.
Leeds Shotokan have been the Senior Male Team Kumite Champions at this event for the last 3 years so were under pressure to replicate the success once more. Ethan Armstrong, Luciano Zanuni and Jade Stapleton Smith all performed excellently and did not disappoint. In the Semi-final we saw three classic ippons from each team member to reach the final. The team fought hard and smart to win Gold against a very strong Sendai Kushiro A team.
Ethan the current World Champion showed no sign of letting up and fought brilliantly all day on his way to yet another Gold in the Senior Men’s Kumite. His efforts led to him being awarded the Randy Williams Memorial Trophy for most outstanding competitor. It is such a proud moment for anyone from Leeds Shotokan to be awarded the trophy in honour of our late, great instructor Sensei Randy.
Jade Stapleton-Smith and Luciano Zanuni repeated last year’s terrific battle in the final of the under 18's category but this time it was Luciano that managed to come out on top on this occasion with the fight going to a judge’s decision.
Nathan Brady has made big improvements this year and put in another terrific performance in the u21 Kumite. Nathan managed to achieve a Silver against Callum Wilson a Bronze medal winner at the world championships, Tushan Joseph Managed to secure a bronze in the same category.
Miranda Moualeu continued her outstanding form this year and comfortably won gold with a perfect ippon in the final. The same category saw Libby Vernon winning bronze with a much improved and confident performance.
Bill Pinder performed excellently in the boys Under 5’ and improved on last year’s bronze medal position to take the Gold, and a well-deserved Gold it was for all the hard work Billy has put in this year.
Kishan Sharman is another student who trains very hard finally got on the podium with a well-deserved bronze medal, Kishan was eventually defeated, after a hard-fought fight, by an England internationalist.
Ronan Mascarenhas, Oliver Pennycook, and Joshua Temple all took a bronze medal in their respective categories with each of them showing terrific spirit and determination. These young lads are all showing fantastic potential and who knows, they could be a future senior kumite team in the making!
There were other good performances on the day by Elsie Pinder (Ippon Kumite) who showed fantastic spirit, and attitude. We can see where Elsie gets her spirit from. Her dad John Pinder fought brilliantly in the senior male B team with a back injury and did fantastically well going out first against a strong Malvern No1 fighter.
Well done everyone.
KUGB Grand Slam 2019
6 Oct 2019
The KUGB Grand Slam is a chance for Leeds Shotokan’s KUGB England squad members to compete for England against the other home nations.
As ever LSKC were strongly represented at the competition with 8 competitors in the Kumite events.
Sensei Ryan Tucker and Ethan Armstrong both fought exceptionally well in the senior male kumite event with Ryan taking home a silver and Ethan collecting the bronze medal. Both fought in the victorious England Senior Male team.
Caroline McGrath once again showed incredible consistency on her way to a third place in the Senior Ladies Kumite.
Nathan Brady and Tushan Joseph were in action in the Male u21 Kumite event and both picked up medals. Nathan fought superbly well to grab the bronze medal and Tushan took part in what was easily the fight of the day in the final. Unfortunately, Tushan was just edged out by England team mate Callum Wilson in an unbelievably close fight which went to two extensions!
Luciano Zanuni and Jade Stapleton Smith once again had an all Leeds battle in the final of the Male u18 Kumite event. As ever, when these two fight, it was a close and enthralling battle with Luciano coming out on top on this occasion.
Finally, Miranda Moualeu and Libby Vernon were both competing in the Girls Kumite u16 event. Libby put in one of her best performances of the year and was unlucky to miss out on a medal losing to the eventual finalist. Miranda was once again on fire as she stormed to victory with a brilliant Ippon in the final.
All the Leeds competitors deserve great credit for their performances, spirit, determination and attitude throughout the day. They continue to be a credit to the club and the KUGB.
World Shotokan Karate Association Championships - Lisbon 2019
20-22 Sept 2019
Ethan Armstrong rounded off a fine World Shotokan Karate Championships for LSKC by taking Gold in the Senior Men’s Individual Kumite (fighting) event in Lisbon, Portugal.
Ethan came into this event as the reigning European champion but was far from phased by the pressure. He eased his way to the final with some excellent wins over Portugal, Denmark and Russia, and once ahead in the final never looked like losing. When the clock ticked to 00:00 with Ethan 2-0 ahead it was one of the most special moments in Leeds Shotokan’s 53-year history.
Also, in action on the Senior day of the Championships we’re Caroline McGrath and Leeds Shotokan instructor Sensei Ryan Tucker. Both fought fantastically well with McGrath narrowly missing out on a medal as part of the Senior Ladies Team Kumite event. Tucker fought alongside Armstrong once again in the Senior Mens Team Kumite. England were the defending champions in this event but unfortunately had to settle for the bronze medal after narrowly being defeated by Russia in the semi-final.
In the Junior events Jade Stapleton Smith and Luciano Zanuni, who had fought each other in the final 2 years ago, both looked sharp in their bouts but unfortunately could not quite repeat the feat. Zanuni, however battled his way to a well-earned individual bronze.
Miranda Moualeu, competing in her first ever World Championships, fought wonderfully and scored some excellent points as she claimed her first ever international medal by taking Bronze in the Youth Ladies Individual Kumite event.
The most exciting moment of the whole championships belonged to Leeds’s Tushan Joseph. Tushan, who was also making his debut for England, was the third fighter for the Junior Male team. In an immensely close final against Sweden, Tushan was sent out to fight knowing that only a win would secure the title for England. With only 3 seconds left and the scores tied at 1-1, Tushan chased his opponent down to score the winning blow just as the clock hit zero, setting off rapturous celebrations by his England team mates and supporters who had made the trip.
Once again LSKC students did their club and their country proud on the biggest stage. Everyone who trains at LSKC should be very proud of them, and also inspired. For students who are prepared to work hard, and attend as many competitions as possible, the opportunity to represent KUGB England is an achievable goal. Especially as we are privileged to train alongside some of the best competitors in the world!
KUGB Shotokan Cup 2019
11 Sept 2019
The KUGB Shotokan Cup is one of the most prestigious events in the KUGB calendar. The British individual championships are only open to brown and black belts and as such sees an incredibly high standard of competition from the very start.
Leeds Shotokan took a strong squad, with many of our athletes using this competition as final preparation ahead of the upcoming World Shotokan Karate Association championships. LSKC came home with a mixed bag of results, with some of the less experienced competitors just missing out on medals but performing very well at such a high standard. Most notable of these was Oliver Pennycook who put in one of his most complete performances since he started competing, giving him an excellent platform to kick on from.
Miranda Moualeu was once again the star of the day bringing the British title back to Leeds with an exceptional performance. Her development this year has been fantastic to watch and this result will hopefully fill her with confidence for the upcoming World Championships.
Luciano Zanuni and Jade Stapleton-Smith were, as usual, in amongst the medals in the 16-17 year old Kumite event. Luciano took home the silver medal and Jade the bronze in what continues to be one of the most hotly contested categories in all of the KUGB.
Tushan Joseph marked his return to Leeds with a bronze medal in the Men’s 18-21 year old Kumite whilst Nathan Brady returned from an injury lay off to join Tushan on the podium, also bringing back a bronze medal.
Lastly, Caroline McGrath once again showed exceptional consistency as she fought superbly to win the Bronze Medal in the Senior Ladies Kumite event.
Well done to all who competed and represented Leeds Shotokan so well.
Leeds Shotokan Club Grading
6 July 2019
The chief instructor of the Karate Union of Great Britain, Sensei Andy Sherry was in York to put Leeds and Shinko students through their paces before assessing them at the most recent club grading.
Grading's are always a nervous time for students who have been practising for months to achieve the required standard to be awarded their next belt. These nerves are always heightened when Sensei Sherry is in town.
All students performed well to achieve their next grade, and all we're given constructive feedback by Sensei Sherry on how they can improve further. It is so important that students listen to this feedback and apply it in every session.
Sensei was very pleased by the spirit and attitude on display by both Leeds and Shinko students.
Congratulations to our successful students
1st Kyu Oliver Pennycook
1st Kyu Ronan Mascharenhas
1st Kyu Risa Mascharenhas - Graded at Rothwell
2nd Kyu Rajwant Kaur Sian
2nd Kyu Billy Pinder
2nd Kyu Kishan Sharma
2nd Kyu Arthur Turner
3rd Kyu Leshan Roe
3rd Kyu Alison Tilley
3rd Kyu Esme Devine
4th Kyu Lukas Hylton
4th Kyu Maya Sharma
4th Kyu Reece Harrison
5th Kyu Tanay Nair
5th Kyu Mustafa Younes
5th Kyu Elsie Pinder
6th Kyu Liam Chawner
6th Kyu Lauren Hylton
7th Kyu Mariam Bokhari
7th Kyu Amina Bokhari
7th Kyu Autumn Howden
7th Kyu John Timperley
8th Kyu Arandeep Singh Rathore
8th Kyu Iftikhar Hussain
8th Kyu Adam Hussain
8th Kyu Arek Kuziel
9th Kyu Jagjit Singh Rathore
9th Kyu Jakob Koziel
KUGB National Youth Championships
29 June 2019
Leeds Shotokan came away with a mixed bag of results at the KUGB National Youth Championships in Chesterfield this weekend.
The Youth Nationals is an opportunity for LSKC studens, who are younger than 21 to compete at a national, high calibre event.
Leeds took a mixture of experienced and new competitors to the competition and all performed with spirit and commitment throughout the day. Perhaps most pleasing to see was the camaraderie between the squad, particularly the support offered by the experienced competitors to the more junior athletes.
Miranda Moualeu put the disappointment of a narrow Nationals defeat behind her by putting in her most impressive performance to date. Miranda fought outstandingly well to claim Gold in the Girls Kumite over 5ft3.
In the Junior Male Kumite 16-17 years old Jade Stapleton Smith lost out to england team mate Niall Gilligan in the semi final to claim bronze. This unfortunately brought an end to Leeds Shotokan's 18 month period of dominance in this event.
Joshua Temple fought bravely on his way to a bronze medal in the boys Kumite u5ft competition.
Well done to all Leeds Shotokan Competitors and thank you to all the parents and families who came to support.
KUGB National Championships
11 May 2019
Once again it was time for the biggest and most prestigious event in the KUGB Calendar as clubs across the country descended on the Leicester Morningside Arena for the 53rd KUGB National Championships.
Leeds Shotokan took a small, but very high calibre squad to the event with every student performing admirably in their event. Joshua Temple, Billy Pinder, Arthur Turner and Kishan Sharma gained invaluable experience at this level with Kishan and Billy narrowly missing out on a Bronze Medal.
Liberty Vernon fought bravely but was unlucky to match with the eventual champion in the girls kumite. In the same event Miranda Moualeu battled here way to a silver medal, missing out on the Gold to a razor thin judges decision in the final.
Leeds Shotokan continued their domestic dominance in the Boys Under 18 Kumite with Jade Stapleton-Smith and Luciano Zanuni battling it out in a repeat of last years final. It was another cracking fight, fitting of the occasion, which on this occasion saw Luciano take home the Gold medal.
In the Senior Individual Kumite events Sensei Ryan Tucker and Ethan Armstrong both had to settle for a Bronze Medal whilst Caroline McGrath took home the senior ladies title in one of the most emotional moments of the day. Caroline managed to win her first national title in her 20th year competing in the event - an outstanding achievement and testament to her hard work!
For many years Jadfe and Luciano have been touted as future key fighters in the senior mens team for Leeds Shotokan. At the 2019 National Championships the future became the present as Jade and Luciano fought alongside Ethan Armstrong and Sensei Ryan Tucker as Leeds Shotokan reclaimed the national title they had come so close to defending last year.
Full Results
Gold - Leeds Shotokan - Senior Mens Team Kumite
Gold - Caroline McGrath - Senior Ladies Individual Kumite
Gold - Luciano Zanuni - Cadet Male Kumite
Silver - Jade Stapleton Smith - Cadet Male Kumite
Silver - Miranda Moualeu - Girls Kumite Over5ft3
Bronze - Ethan Armstrong - Senior Male Kumite
Bronze - Sensei Ryan Tucker - Senior Male Kumite
Leeds Shotokan Karate Club - Kyu Grading
16th March 2019
Leeds Shotokan's future stars we're in action on the 7th of March at the first Kyu Grading of 2019.
From total beginners to those nearing their black belt the grading's are always a nerve wracking occasion as the students are examined by one of the countries top instructors. This time it was Sensei Frank Brennan 8th Dan who was casting a watchful eye over the students and checking if they had reached the standard of Kihon, Kata and Kumite required to be awarded their next belt.
Sensei made a point to mention how impressed he was with the spirit and attitude shown by the students and also noted there had been some big improvements with some.
Congratulations to all who achieved their grade.
Liverpool Youth Championships
6th April 2019
Many of Leeds Shotokan's students were back in action this weekend at the Liverpool Youth Karate Championships.
The competition sees some of the best youth competitors in the country compete alongside many competing for the first time. It is inspirational for all to see the levels of talent on show at the event.
Leeds Shotokan took a mix of experienced international athletes alongside some who are beginning to get the competitive bug! There was a mixed bag of results and performances but what cannot be faulted is the spirit, attitude and bravery of all those who competed.
At Leeds Shotokan we will always encourage students to go out and test themselves against the best around, competitions like this one really bring out the best in people and will inspire further improvements in the dojo!
Full results
1st - Luciano Zanuni - Male 16/17 Kumite
1st - Miranda Mouleou - Girls 12-15 Kumite 5ft3 and over
3rd - Liberty Vernon - Girls 12-15 Kumite 5ft3 and over
3rd - Billy Pinder - Boys 12-15 Kumite u5ft
KUGB Grand Slam Championships
23 February 2019
The first competition of the KUGB calendar was held on Saturday 23rd of September and Leeds Shotokan were heavily represented thanks to their huge success at the KUGB England Kumite Squad Selections in January.
After an unbelievable 2019 the pressure was on the Leeds athletes to continue to build on their achievements as they aim for selection to the 2019 World Championship team.
The competitors did not disappoint with some outstanding performances to kick off the year. Luciano Zanuni and Miranda Moualeu were the pick of the bunch picking up the gold medal in their respective Kumite categories.
Tushan Joseph put together one of his most accomplished performances ever to come away with the silver medal in the under 21's Kumite.
Caroline McGrath once again showed her consistency by picking up the silver medal in the Senior Ladies Kumite.
Ethan Armstrong outpointed Sensei Ryan Tucker in a spirited Senior Male Semi Final Match, before having to settle for the silver medal in a repeat of last years European championship against Joe Rawcliffe.
Full Results
1st Luciano Zanuni - Cadet Male Kumite
1st Miranda Mouleau - Youth Ladies Kumite
2nd Ethan Armstrong - Senior Male Kumite
2nd Caroline McGrath - Senior Ladies Kumite
2nd Tushan Joseph - Junior Male Kumite
3rd Sensei Ryan Tucker - Senior Male Kumite
1st Senior Male Team Kumite - England (Sensei Ryan Tucker, Ethan Armstrong)
1st Senior Ladies Team Kumite - England (Caroline McGrath)
1st Junior Male Team Kumite - England (Tushan Joseph)
1st Cadet Male Team Kumite - England (Luciano Zanuni)
1st Youth Ladies Team Kumite - England (Miranda Moualeu)
KUGB Dan Grading Success
17th February 2019
Leeds Shotokan members Maura Everest Greene and Miranda Moualeu both had an exceptional day at the first KUGB Dan grading of the year.
Both performed exceptionally well in their grading and were delighted to be told "pass Shodan" by Sensei Andy Sherry.
As ever the standard of the Dan grading was incredibly high, and it is a phenomenal achievement to be awarded your Shodan by the KUGB's Chief Instructor.
Everyone at Leeds Shotokan is incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication put in by Maura and Miranda.
Well Done!
Leeds Shotokan Karate Club
www.leedssportsawards.co.uk
Leeds Shotokan Karate Club
Sensei Ryan Tucker Nominated for Leeds Sports Award
23rd January 2019
Welcome back to Leeds Shotokan!
After a short Christmas break everyone at Leeds Shotokan is delighted to get back into the dojo.
We start the year with some amazing, unexpected news. Sensei Ryan Tucker has been shortlisted for a special recognition award at the Leeds Sport Awards 2019. The Coach - Participation award is designed to recognise the important and inspirational role of coaches, based in Leeds, who work with amateur clubs and athletes at grassroots level.
It promises to be a prestigious occasion with some of Leeds' most famous sporting hero's nominated across a range of categories.
The full list of nominations can be found here
Congratulations to Sensei, and good luck!
Most Outstanding Competitor of the Year 2018
Clubman of the Year 2018
Performance of the Year 2018
Most Outstanding Competitor of the Year 2018
Leeds Shotokan Karate Club - Awards Night
15 December 2018
The final event of 2018 was one of celebration as members of Leeds Shotokan and their families gathered to celebrate another fantastic year, and to give out awards for some exceptional achievements throughout the year. It is also a chance for all to get together socially and it was brilliant to see members new and old enjoying a good time together. We must say a massive thank you to everyone who helped with the food!
2018 has been a challenging year for all at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club, but as ever we have continued to thrive in the dojo, and in competition. This year it was so difficult to decide the awards winners, with so many incredible performances and so many determined Karateka there could have been winners in 20+ categories. It is however import to recognise the truly outstanding, the most determined and those who have inspired us.
Our winners for 2018 are as follows
Most Improved Kyu Grade - Leshan Roe
Best Kyu Grade - Billy Pinder
Most Improved Dan Grade - Libby Vernon
Clubman of the year - Alinka Greasley
Instructors Student of the year - Jade Stapleton-Smith
Performance of the year - Ethan Armstrong - ESKA
Most Outstanding Competitor - Miranda Moualeu
Students Student of the year - Ethan Armstrong
Congratulations to everyone at Leeds Shotokan and thank you for a tremendous 2018.
All the best for 2019!