Karate Success

Last Thursday pupils from Saint Nicholas School took part in the Inter School District Karate Championships. This year an unprecedented thirteen local primary schools entered teams.

United Karate Association (UKA) again hosted what was to be the 3rd annual championship at their North Weald dojo, sponsored by Quinn Estates.

UKA provide karate lessons to schools in the London, Essex & Hertfordshire areas ensuring pupils’ skills are nurtured whilst developing confidence, instilling discipline and guaranteeing fun in a safe environment.

All pupils have been training hard, working on both their fighting and their Kata performances, spending two to three hours a week dedicated to this. The children range from Year 1 to Year 6, making teams which span from yellow all the way to brown belt. For some this was their first competition, others had competed before and were supportive to fellow team mates throughout.

The event was extremely well orchestrated – a testament to the efficiency of the UKA event team. This is especially impressive when you consider that there were a total of 126 competitors taking part.

After ten exciting Kata events Saint Nicholas, Willingale, Coopersale and Lambourne End (reigning champions) were neck and neck.

In total, Saint Nicholas achieved a fantastic fifteen medals across both Kata & Fighting categories. This is a personal best for the school. This well-deserved achievement is the result of the pupils’ hard work in training, commitment to their individual development and their enthusiasm as a team to represent Saint Nicholas with pride.

The final points table read as follows:
1. Lambourne 64
2. Chipping Ongar 61
3. Coopersale Hall 58
4. Saint Nicholas 56
5. Willingale 53
6. Ongar 52
7. High Ongar 48
8. Moreton 48
9. St Andrews 42
10. Ivy Chimneys 40
11. Epping 39
12. Coopersale TG 38
13. Epping Upland 16

Thank you to Thomas, Teddy, Lucy, Eleanora, Theo, Connor, Alice, Charlotte, Sophie, Holly, Patrick and Ciara who represented the school during the championship. You have all made Saint Nicholas very proud.

For further news and information regarding UKA please contact Sensei Daniel Thackray (07502 261891), ‘like’ the Facebook page and ‘follow’ the Instagram account (please search ‘Karate Harlow & Chelmsford UKA’).