The Rhyl & Prestatyn SKC team of 7 travelled to Merthyr Tydfil to compete in the KUGB Welsh Championships. Representing the club were Francis Curtis, Tilly Evans, Theo Smith, Katy Evans, Donna Jackman, Harry Calland and Havannah Jackman. Matthew and Francis Curtis coached during the day along with Sensei Richard who was also the chief referee for the championships. Chris Calland and Karl Smith added their enthusiastic support.

In the junior events, Havannah performed high quality katas over three rounds before finishing in the final eight, despite being in a category with a large number of black and brown belts. Both Harry and Theo performed brilliantly in the ippon kumite event which Theo won by a convincing margin in the final. Theo also competed in the individual kumite section and along with Harry in the children’s kata but despite creditable performances exited before the finals.

Tilly fought in the individual kumite and demonstrated a keen awareness of the area to outmanoeuvre her first opponent and win by a wazari. In the final despite drawing the first match she succumbed to the eventual winner in the minute’s extension. In her kata event Tilly proceeded through the rounds and in the final drew for 3rd place. Following a nail biting second kata Tilly defeated her opponent with a very spirited Heian godan to achieve a well deserved 3rd place.

In the adult categories Katy competed with distinction in both the veterans and senior ladies kata along with Donna who also rose to the occasion in the senior ladies kata competition.

Francis fought with conviction in the junior male individual kumite to win a bronze medal and performed both Gojushiho Sho and Sochin to secure 3rd place in the very competitive senior men’s individual kata final.