Membership Licence - October 2005 Licence check All members are ask to ensure that their licence is in date. Their will be a licence check of all members at the Kumite course on 22nd & 23rd October 2005   2 Gold & 1 Sliver for James in Europein Wado Cup 2 - 1st November 2003 James Brunton demonstrated great success at the European Wado-Cup. Hot from the WKF Cadets in france James headed for reading where he took Ireland's only medels in the Europein event by taking a Gold in the Cadets under 65 kg Not content he went on to take another Gold in the cadet open weight catagory. He narrowly missed taking a third Gold when he had to except a silver to Catic of Sweden in the Kata section. 18 countries took part with approx 400 entries James now heads back to England, sheffeld for the British Championships at the end of this month. The WKF National teamd of Spain and France have also involved Keep yourself up to date with all the top karate news by visiting this news page.   Bronze in SAN MARINO - 4th October 2003 NIKW's James Brunton secured a place for Northern Ireland alongside the best cadets in Europe when he took a bronze medal in the International Open in San Marino The championship was held in preperation for the WKF/ IOC Cadet championships to be held later this month in France. Well done JAMES For some action shots go to home page & scrool down   BKF Title for N.I. - 29th November 2003 JAMES BRUNTON HAS SECURED N.NRELAND'S FIRST BRITISH TITLE IN KARATE. James took the bronze medal in the under 65kg catagory of the British Cadet championships held at the ponds forge International sports center Sheffield WELL DONE JAMES   N.Ireland takes Bronze - 22nd May 2004 James Brunton took the Bronze medal in the England Wado-kai Open karate championships in Reding England. In taking the position James beat many Shotokan kata partisapants on the way proving that Wado kata if well perfected ranks alongside all styles of karate.   British Gold for Northern Ireland - 26th June 2004 Northern Ireland took two gold and one Bronze in the recent BKF karate championships in Sheffeld at the weekend James Brunton from Belfast took Gold in the Cadet under 75kg kumite while Mairead Hardy from Newcastle also took Gold in the Girls 13 to 15year age group. Not to be outdone young Geard Mc Anulty took the bronze position in the Boys 13 to 15year age group. While Northern Ireland have taken Bronze in previous BKF championships this is the first time that anyone has taken a gold. To take two at the same time now ranks N.Ireland alongside the best of England Scotland and Wales in karate.   1 Gold 1 Silver & 1 Bronze for N.I. in Phillipines - 15th August 2004 Marc mc. Cullough NIKW stormed to victory for the second year running taking the Gold medal in this years boys 14 year kumite in the KOI world Cup in the Phillipines His team mate james Brunton took Bronze in the Cadet 16 to 18 Kumite while taking a silver in the cadet team event. The cadet team event was a three person slection from western Europe to take on the rest of the World countries and encluded along with james one person from Holland and one from Scotland After beating teams from Aisia including the Phillipines and Russia they had to settle for Silver against Egyept in a nail biteing final which brought the entire staduim to a standstill to watch. Rusulting in a draw the points where tallied to give The Egyptian team one point more and taking the Gold David Walsh from Lisburn fought extreminly well in the Junior section 18 to 21 years narrowley missing a bronze   James takes Gold in Europien Wado Cup 2004 - 23 October 2004 Northern Ireland's James Brunton Finished a very successfull two years in Wado Cadet Championship.Just before his 18th Birthday james took the Europien Wado Cadet over 75kg Gold medel in Swzerland for the second year running James has finished on top of the rankings in wado competition in the cadet section. With such a great success in cadet karate it leaves him in good stead for beginning his entry into junior Karate competition in 2005 his first big test comming in the North v South Championships in the DEVENISH complex in Belfast on 5th Feburary 2005   N.Ireland gets another British Gold - 23rd Feb 2005 Congradulations go to Mairde Hardy from the Banbridge Karate club KUNI for taking another Gold in the girls kumite at the BKF championships at the weekend The NIKB now has 4 British Gold medels WELL DONE MAIRED   NIKB Championships - 16th April 2005 NIKW took both the Northern Ireland karate Board Junior and Senior karate titles last weekend in Lisburn James Brunton took the Junior title with his first atempt after upgrading from cadet competition into the junior section. While at the same time Ryan cushanan also from NIKW defeted Fintan Neeson of CKA in a close fought final.   Hungry Open - 24th April 2005 James Brunton took a Gold Medel in 18 to 21 year section of the Hungry Open in budapest james competed for the first time outside N.ireland in the Junior section having moved up from cadets. He also took the Bronse in the kata section Young newcomer to the international karate arena Craig Ryan from lisburn also excelled in the boys under 10 section by lifting Gold in both the Kata and kumite sections The competition attracted over 300 entries from accross europe. The NIKW is hoping that Craig will now follow in the footsteps of James and become as successful in International karate   NIKB take 3rd Place in British Open Kata - 3rd October James Brunton took 3rd place for Northern Ireland in the British Open Junior Kata Championships in Crystel Palace at the Weekend. The standard of the whole championships was extreminly high as many countries used the occision as preperation for the coming WKF Junior Championships which will be held in Cyprus in NOvember. First place was taken by Sweden, With Denmark 2nd and N.Ireland 3rd Having finished his time in cadet championships by taking KOI world championship titles and becoming N.Irelands only British Cadet Champion James begins his time in Junior Championship karate 18 to 21 We expected that it would at least a year before taking any titles. We are therefore elated that he took a 3rd place in such high level competition on his first attempt. With his drive and dedacation James has put Northern Ireland clearly on the international karate Map   2 More titles in BKF Championships - 8th October 2005 The NIKB in the shape of James Brunton has taken two bronze medals in the British karate federation championships at the weekend. James took a bronze medal in the Junior Kata and a Bronze in the Junior Kumite. Having just turned 18 and just into the juniors section this is a great success and will go well for the possibility of taking Gold in two years time and if, so will become the only person in Northern Ireland to have taken Gold in both the Cadet section and Junior sections of British Karate.   British Silver For James - 23rd January 2006 Northern Ireland's karate International James Brunton lifted the Silver Medal in The British Open International in Crystel Palace at the weekend The championship is part of the golden league which takes part through the year in verious europein countries Given that james has just entered the Juniors for the first year this result was way behond our expectations and shows great committment and dedacation to karate on the part of james   N.Ireland Success at Scotish Inter Open - 1st & 2nd April 2006 Northern Ireland international karate fighter James Brunton from the wado-kai took a silver and Bronze positions at the Scotish International Open in Glasgow at the weekend. The Silver was secured in the male under 75kg kumite while the Bronze was taken in the Male Open Weight. Given that James is only 19 and is taking places in such a high level of competition and against much older and experienced competitors puts N.Ireland in a good sted for the future   N.Ireland take silver in British Open - 2nd September 2006 The Nothern Ireland Karate Boards top fighter James Brunton took silver in the British Open karate championships in crystel palace sports center at the weekend This is the second year running that james has captured the silver medel in the Junior kumite The results were England Gold N.Ireland Silver and Belgum and Germany Joint third   Success at European Wado Cup - Saturday, 4th November, 2006 Success for Northern Ireland at Euro Wado Karate Tournament Northern Ireland Karate enjoyed further international success when the home team returned from the European Wado Cup with a championship title and two bronze medals. Top international athlete, James Brunton, won a gold medal in the senior male kumite (free fighting) section when he came up against Europe’s top wado competitors at the event in Maidenhead, England at the weekend. The Belfast man staved off opposition from Russia, England and Macedonia, before coming up against Portugal in the final match. He finished the competition in style by taking the championship title with an impressive 9-0 win. In the children’s section Coleraine’s Thomas Patterson won a bronze medal in the boy’s under 45kilos kumite event. His team-mate, Mathew Long from Dundonald also won a bronze in the boys over 45kilos category. These are significant achievements for both boys who competed in their first international tournament. The boys are all coached by Northern Ireland Karate ace, Oliver Brunton, who trains the team each week night and during weekends at the Karate Centre of Excellence in Belfast’s City Centre. Prior to the championships Oliver, who is a Technical Examiner with the Japanese Karate Federation, who appointed to the Technical Committee of the Federation of European Wado-Kai. “I am delighted with Northern Ireland’s achievements at the European Wado Cup,” he said. “There was a high standard of competition at the event, and for James to win against athletes from the top nations such as Russia and England is particularly significant. “Of course, I am also proud of Thomas and Mathew’s performance, particularly as this was an international premier for both boys,” Oliver remarked. “Their dedication to training and the competitive spirit they have developed has paid off, and I am sure it is the beginning of many success stories for both of them.”   North v South 2007 championships - Saturday, 3rd February This year's North v South Karate Open championships proved to one of the largest gatherings in the history of the competition which has been running now for 16 years. Results are as follows: Boys individual kumite under 8 years 1. Niall Dynan, NIKW 2. Ryan McAvoy 3. John Elliott, NIKW Michael Lagan, NIKW Girls individual kumite under 8 years 1. Sarah Clarke, Kells Wado Kai 2. Emma Thompson, Drogheda School of Karate Boys individual kumite under 10 years 1. Craig Ryan, NIKW 2. Luke Fegan, Kells Wado Kai 3. Sean Bambrick, Carlow Jordan Barbour, KUNI Girls individual kumite under 10 years 1. Nikki Germaine, Carlow Wado Kan 2. Kirsty Miller, NIKW 3. Michaela McAvoy, KUNI Sorcha Nolan, Carlow Wado Kai Boys individual kumite under 12 years 1. Connor O'Boyle, KUNI 2. Ross McClarney, IKKU 3. Daniel Park, NIKW 3. Calum Totten, NIKW Girls individual kumite under 12 years 1. Caitlin McMillan, NIKW 2. Jade Patterson, NIKW 3. Christine Cook, England Wado Kai 3. Aoife Cosgrove, Kells Wado Kai Boys individual kumite under 15 years 1. Matthew Long, NIKW 2. John Barbour, KUNI 3. Conor McCabe, KUNI Thomas Patterson, NIKW Girls individual kumite under 15 years 1. Rachel Early, IKKU 2. Fiona O'Neill, KUNI 3. Shanice Norris, Drogheda School of Karate 3. Louise Dorman, KUNI Male cadet kumite 1. Gerard McAnulty, KUNI 2. Cain Molloy, IKKU 3. Kieran Holden, England Wado Kai 3. Chris Nelson, NIWIKF Female Cadet Kumite 1. Mairead Hardy, KUNI 2. Nicola Coghlan, NIKW 3. Kerry Hughes, KUNI 3. Deborah Long, Carlow Wado Kan Junior Male kumite 1. James Brunton, NIKW 2. Nico Marengo, England Wado Kai 3. Yobi Miyajoma, England Wado Kai 3. Morgan O'Brien, IKKU Junior Female Kumite 1. Lisa Mooney, Drogheda School of Karate 2. Aiofe O'Neill, KUNI Children's white belt kata 7th kyu and under 1. Edel Maher, Drogheda School of Karate 2. Jade Patterson, NIKW 3. Kevin Bambrick, Carlow Wado Kan 3. Emma Thompson, Drogheda School of Karate Children's kata 6th kyu to 4th kyu 1. Shanice Norris, Drogheda School of Karate 2. Kate Keenan, NIWIKF 3. Conor Woodman, SKW 3. Marcus Yearman, England Wado Kai Children's kata 3rd kyu and above 1. Lee Harding, England Wado Kai 2. Jack Franklin, England Wado Kai 3. Vicki Boules, England Wado Kai 3. Carl Spiller, England Wado Kai Male Cadet Kata 1. Kieran Holden, England Wado Kai 2. Alex Morgan, England Wado Kai 3. Stuart Duff, England Wado Kai Female Kata 1. Lisa Mooney, Drogheda School of Karate 2. Georgina Tominey, England Wado Kai 3. Nicola Coughlin, NIKW Junior Male Kata 1. James Brunton, NIKW 2. Nico Marengo, England Wado Kai Kata Special Category 1. Thomas Mulholland, NIKW 2. Anthony Barrett, NIKW 3. Paul Megahy, NIKW 3. Laura O'Hare, NIKW   Northern Ireland success in Malta - 4th March 2007 The Northern Ireland karate squad returned from the Malta International Karate Classic with a championship title and a bronze medal. 20-year-old international athlete, James Brunton from Belfast won a gold medal in the male senior event, while 13-year-old Dundonald school boy, Matthew Long picked up a bronze in the boy¹s under 14 category. Almost 400 athletes from 14 countries descended on the Mediterranean Island keen to excel on the competition arena. First out onto the mat was current Northern Ireland champion, Matthew. Just starting out in his international career, he had already achieved a bronze at the European Wado Cup last November and a championship title at the North v South Karate Open held in Belfast last month. After fighting his way through the preliminary rounds, Matthew won a place in the semis, hoping to make his way to the final match. Although he put up a brave fight, the school-boy was defeated, and had to settle for third place. In the senior event, James thrilled the crowds during the initial bouts, and his dominance of the mat ensured he remained undefeated on his way to the final. Here he came up against Italy, where his mastery of timing and distance and the intelligent way he read his opponent gave him the edge to win the championship title. Watching from the sidelines was President of karate in Northern Ireland, Oliver Brunton, who was responsible for training both athletes. ³With so many countries and top competitors attending the Malta Classic, both Matthew and James had their work cut out for them,² he said. ³However, they applied themselves to tackling the opposition, earning a place on the winner¹s rostrum. Both are a credit to themselves, and to the country.² Anyone wishing to learn karate with Oliver should call him on 028 90 616453 or visit www.irishkarate.com.   Success at USA OPEN - 15th June 2007 Top Belfast karate international, and current British champion James Brunton, shone at the USA Open tournament held in Las Vegas, by securing the biggest win yet in his career. Almost 1,000 of the world’s top karate athletes from 18 countries descended on Las Vegas to take part in this prestigious two day event, with a large delegation from Japan, the home of traditional karate. The American event is part of the Golden League circuit, the highest competition arena outside the World and European Karate Federation and other continental championships. 20 year old Brunton, who took his second British crown last November, is still in the junior, under 21 years, category, but came up against senior and more experienced athletes in his bid to secure a grand slam title. After successfully staving off opponents in truly spectacular fashion on the road to the semi-finals, he came up against the cream of Azerbaijan, who he defeated in impressive fashion by six points to three. In the final showdown, Brunton met Italy’s best. One minute into the bout, it looked as if it was all over for the Belfast man, who was down by two points to zero. However, in a display of grit and determination, Brunton, cheered on by his team mates and supporters took the next four points to claim the top accolade. In his jubilant victory speech, he paid tribute to his father, coach and mentor - President of karate in Northern Ireland, Oliver Brunton. “I would like to thank him for everything he had done to get me to this point,” he said. “It is the best feeling I have ever experienced and I know I would not be in this position without his constant help and guidance and belief in me.” Running in parallel with the Golden League event was an international championship event for children. Coleraine teenager, Thomas Patterson took gold in the boy’s 14-15 free fighting novice event, and a further gold in the boys 14-15 technical novice section. 10 year old Jade Patterson from Antrim took a runners-up medal in the girl’s 10-11 year’s free fighting category. 14 year Old Cale Keating from Carlow took Bronze in the kumite section making it an all round success for the delegation. Daniel Park & Cloe mc Kenzey along with Ross Dinsmore Ryan Cushanan and Steven Wright all fought great fights in their sections just missing out in the medals James Brunton is supported in his competition programme by the Northern Ireland Sports Council Lottery Fund.   -   British Youth Gold - 19 th May, 2007 Northern Ireland enjoyed tremendous success at the British Youth Championships with Craig Ryan (9 years) from Lisburn taking a championship title and Chloe Mackenzie (also 9 years) a bronze medal. Central Primary School pupil, Craig, fought his way through the preliminary rounds to come up against England’s Max French in the final. Cheered on by his team mates, he shone through to take gold medal. Earlier in the day, Craig took a bronze medal in the technical (kata) section. Meanwhile, in the girl’s event, Chloe, who goes to Antrim Primary School, took a bronze medal in the free fighting category. The two children are taught by Ireland karate legend and President of the sport in Northern Ireland, Oliver Brunton, whose 20 year old son James is two times British champion. “We already have a British champion in James who regained his crown last October at the senior championships, before going on to win the USA Open in April,” he remarked. “This success at the underage event underlines the positive future of karate in Northern Ireland.”   Great day's competition at 5th Wado Open - 16th June, 2007 Young people from all over Ireland joined together at the 5th Wado Open for another fantastic day's karate competition. Well done to all those who took part. Results Kata Girls white belt 1 Jade Patterson, NIKW 2 Nikki Germaine, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Rachel Allen, NIKW 3 Caitlan McMillan, NIKW Boys white belt 1 Sean Bambrick, Carlow Wado Kan 2 Kevin Bambrick, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Dean Williamson, Carlow Wado Kan 3 David Coghlan, NIKW Boy’s coloured belt kata 1 Craig Ryan, NIKW 2 Mathew Long, NIKW 3 Calum Totten, NIKW 3 Mark Stewart, NIKW Girl’s coloured belt kata 1 Kate Keenan, NIWIKF 2 Sorcha Nolan, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Chloe Mackenzie, NIKW 3 Cora Yore, Kells Female kata 1 Jessica Morrow, NIWIKF 2 Nicola Coghlan, NIKW Special kata 1 Thomas Mulhollan, NIKW 2 Anthony Barrett, NIKW 3 David Lambe, Drogheda School of Karate Kumite Boy’s 6-8 years 1 Michael Lagan, NIKW 2 Andrew Carling, NIKW 3 Cain Nolan, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Dean Williamson, Carlow Wado Kan Boy’s 9-10 years 1 Mark Stewart, NIKW 2 Rory O’Boyle, KUNI 3 Sean Bambrick, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Niall Dynan, NIKW Boy’s 11-12 years 1 Craig Ryan, NIKW 2 Ross Dinsmore, NIKW 3 Callum Totten, NIKW 3 James Sheridan, Kells Boy’s 13-14 years 1 Mathew Long, NIKW 2 Conor Murphy, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Cael Keating, Carlow Wado Kan 3 Conor O’Boyle, KUNI Boy’s 15-16 years 1 Conor McCabe, KUNI 2 Micheal Keenan, NIWIKF 3 Michael O’Kane, NIKW 3 Christopher McCallum, NIWIKF Male Cadet 1 Chris Nelson, NIWIKF 2 Thomas Mulholland, NIKW 3 Anthony Barrett, NIKW Girl’s 8-10 years 1 Nikki Germaine, Carlow Wado Kan 2 Chloe Mackenzie, NIKW 3 Kirsty Miller, NIKW 3 Rachel Allen, NIKW Girl’s 11-12 years 1 Jade Patterson, NIKW 2 Cora Yore, Kells 3 Clare Cleland, KUNI Girl’s 13-14 years 1 Caitlan McMillan, NIKW 2 Kate Miller, NIKW Female Cadet 1 Deborah Long, Carlow Wado Kan 2 Nicola Coghlan, NIKW Safe Hands Security Trophy for Best Fighter of the championships Craig Ryan, NIKW   Sensei Brunton celebrates 45 years in karate - 6th July, 2007 Almost half a century of service to karate in Northern Ireland was recognised last week, at a special event to honour local karate legend, Oliver Brunton. Oliver began studying his chosen art in 1962 at a time when no-one in Ireland was practising karate. “My uncle, who was living in America, sent me books on the subject, to introduce me to karate,” he explained. Through reading and trail Oliver’s karate began to develop, supplemented by regular travel to England to learn there. “I was fortunate to be the only person in Ireland to have been invited to study with Hinori Otsuka, the founder of my chosen style, wado-ryu karate,” he explained. At home in Belfast, Oliver set up clubs, quickly expanding throughout the north, and establishing a permanent dojo, or training hall, the Karate Centre of Excellence based in the city centre. Throughout the years, he has made karate available to many thousands of people, and has inspired many with his dedication to training to perfect his knowledge. Anyone involved in karate who has witnessed his performance in the art will appreciate his skill has come about through daily training, often for up to eight hours in one session. Scores of international karate champions for Northern Ireland have been produced through Oliver’s coaching. The most notable of these is his son James, who currently holds British and USA Open Karate championship titles. He has also brought international teams to his home country, and 16 years ago introduced the North v South karate open. These championships, which have run each year since it’s inception, are now recognised as the premier event in Ireland for young karate competitors, regularly attracting teams from throughout these islands. However, Oliver’s teaching is not solely benefited by competitors. He has introduced karate to people of different ages and abilities, and recently began promoting it to those with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. “I believe karate is a means of developing a person, mentally and physically, and I am happy to use my knowledge to help others,” Oliver said. On the international stage, he has risen to become Ireland’s only European Karate Federation (EKF) and World Karate Federation (WKF) kumite – free fighting – referee and kata – technical – judge. For 13 years he was the Secretary of the Referee Committee of both these bodies. His karate skills have been recognised by the Japanese Karate Federation (JKF) who have bestowed on him the grade of 6th Dan black belt and made him a Technical Examiner, allowing him to grade people up to the level of 5th Dan. JKF also presented him with a Lifetime’s Achievement Award and the title of kysho – or doctor – of karate. On the domestic front, Oliver is President of the Northern Ireland Karate Board (NIKB), the Sports Council recognised governing body for karate in Northern Ireland. Officers of the NIKB joined with many others to pay tribute to the man who has devoted so much time and energy to the development of karate in Northern Ireland, often at great personal expense, and who is recognised as the ‘Father figure’ of karate here.   Silver Success for James - 2nd September 2007 Andersonstown karate international James Brunton notched up another accolade with a runners-up medal at the British International Open held outside London last weekend. Brunton, who is currently British and USA open champion, displayed his usual fighting prowess during the initial bouts at the K2 Leisure Centre, Crawley, to secure a place in the final. Here, although he put up a good fight, the Irish lad had to concede defeat to England's Akan Eka. Next month, Brunton will be part of the Northern Ireland team taking part in the World Karate Federation Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. This competition is only open to the top competitor from each country in each section, and is the highest karate competition arena on the planet.   Northern Ireland Dominates at European Wado Champi - 3rd November, 2007 Northern Ireland proved to be a force to be reckoned with when Belfast boy, James Brunton, won a triple crown at the European Wado Karate Championships in Sweden. And his team mates, Mathew Long, Newtownards, and Daniel Park, Antrim won two runner-up medals and a bronze medal in the underage events. Top athletes practicing the Wado style of karate gathered in Gothenburg City to fight for acknowledgement on the European stage. First up were the technical events, and in the children’s section, 11-year old Park a silver medal in the under 12 years category, while Mathew Long (13) from took a bronze in the under 14 section. In the adult section, Brunton’s demonstration of the technical skills needed to execute effective wado karate earned him his first gold medal of the championships. With the afternoon came the free fighting events, and the young men’s pre-noon performance showed they were already in winning form. Long fought his way through to the finals against a Russian opponent. At one point down, he equalised with a body punch. The Russian opponent then took another score, giving him the lead until Long came back with another body punch. However, he had to concede defeat when his opponent took the final score to win the match 3-2, leaving Long with the runners-up title. Northern Ireland’s hopes of a free fighting champion rested with current British and USA Open Champion, Brunton, who had won the European title the previous two years. In his weight category, Brunton worked his way through to the finals where he also faced a Russian opponent. This time, however, the outcome was different for Northern Ireland with James taking two decisive scores to win his second gold medal of the tournament. The ultimate event of the championship was the men’s open weight fight off, with Brunton facing an Italian challenger. Italy took the first point with a body punch, but Brunton came back with a score to the head to make the match equal. In the dying seconds, he landed a body punch to triumph with a third championship title.   North v South Open 2008 - 2nd February, 2008 An exciting day's competition was seen at the North v South Karate Open 2008 held at the Devenish Complex, Belfast. The event, which has now been running for 17 years in proving to be the foremost karate event in Ireland. Boy’s individual kumite 6-8 years 1st Conor McAnulty, KUNI 2nd David Andrews, Drogheda 3rd Thomas Allen, NIKW 3rd John Elliott, NIKW Girls individual kumite 6-8 years 1st Megan O’Boyle, KUNI 2nd Ruby Franklin, England W K Boy’s individual kumite 8-9 years 1st Scott Rawlings, England WK 2nd Michael McLarnon, NIKW 3rd Rory O’Boyle, NIKW 3rd Niall Dynan, NIKW Girl’s Individual Kumite 8-9 years 1st Kirsty Miller, NIKW 2nd Emma Thompson, Drogheda Boy’s individual kumite, 10-11 years 1st Craig Ryan, NIKW 2nd Barry McAnulty, KUNI 3rd Ben Matthews, Eng W K 3rd Andrew Galea, Malta Girl’s individual kumite 10-11 years 1st Jade Patterson, NIKW 2nd Claire Clelland, KUNI 3rd Christine Dolan, Kells 3rd Martina Gilmore, NIKW Boy’s Individual kumite 12-13 years 1st Lee Harding, England W K 2nd Tiernan Moore, KUNI 3rd Connor O’Boyle, KUNI 3rd Cedric Gauci, Malta Girl’s Individual kumite 12-13 years 1st Christine Cooke, England W K 2nd Caitlan McMillan, NIKW Boy’s individual kumite 14-15 years 1st Matthew Long, NIKW 2nd John Barbour, KUNI 3rd Connor McCabe, KUNI 3rd Thomas Kerney, WIKF Cadet male kumite 1st Gerard McAnulty, KUNI 2nd Michael Keenan, NIWIKF 3rd Chris Nelson, NIWIKF 3rd Alex Morgan, Eng W K Junior male individual kumite 1st Gerard McAnulty, KUNI 2nd Tony Herdman, NIKW 3rd Daniel Radford, England W K 3rd Cian Murphy, Drogheda Junior female individual kumite 1st Lisa Mooney, Drogheda Children’s kata 10th – 7th kyu 1st Caitlan McMillan, NIKW 2nd Harry Harding, England Wado Kai 3rd Emma Thompson, Drogheda 3rd Charlie Biles, England Wado Kai Children’s kata 6th to 4th kyu 1st Andrew Galea, Malta 2nd Mark Stewart, NIKW 3rd Kate Keenan, NIWIKf 3rd Niall Dynan, NIKW Children’s kata 3rd kyu and above 1st Kate Keenan, NIWIKF 2nd Cedric Gauci, Malta 3rd Matthew Long, NIKW 3rd Jack Franklin, England Wado Kai Junior Male Kata 1st Nicholas Marengo, England Wado Kai 2nd Carl Spiller, England Wado Kai 3rd Alex Morgan, England Wado Kai 3rd Daniel Radford, England Wado Kai Junior female kata 1st Jessica Morrow, NIKW 2nd Katie Aldrige, England Wado Kai 3rd Nichola Coghlan, NIKW 3rd Lisa Mooney, Drogheda Special kata 1st Karl Doyle, NIWIKF 2nd Laura O’Hare, NIKW 3rd David Lambe, Drogheda 3rd Nathan Douglas, Children’s team kumite – boys over 5ft 1st Northern Ireland 2nd England Cadet team kumite 1st Northern Ireland 2nd England   Tropheys Galore at Malta Karate Classic - March 2008 Two championship titles, a runner-up trophy, and three bronze medals were won by the Northern Ireland Karate-Do Wado-Kai at the Malta Karate Classic. Teams from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England and Scotland travelled to the tiny Mediterranean island to take on the top athletes from the host country. In the boy’s free fighting event, North/South Open champion, Craig Ryan, got through to the final of the competition. Though only 10 years of age, the Lisburn schoolboy has acquired the skills and determination necessary to be a champion in this competitive arena. His teammate, Ross Dinsmore from Carrick took a bronze in the same event. Craig joined up with Newtownards teenager, Matthew Long in the team event, where they took a further bronze for Northern Ireland. Not to be left behind by the boys, Antrim duo, Jade Patterson and Chloe Mackenzie took silver and bronze respectively in the girl’s event. Top Northern Ireland international, James Brunton flew the flag in the senior event. With a string of titles to his name, including two British championship titles and USA Open Champion 2007, James is no stranger to high-level competition. Having easily fought his way through the preliminary rounds, James met Malta’s best in the final. His experience in the global arena was evident, as he easily picked off scores from his opponent, winning him the championship title. Watching the team from the sidelines was President of Karate in Northern Ireland, and James’s father, Oliver Brunton. “England and Scotland are two major players on the European stage, and Malta is also emerging as a strong contender,” he remarked. “Our young people had tough opposition on their way through to the final heats, and for them to do so well is a credit to them and I feel very proud of their performances”.   Craig takes gold at Scottish Open - 19th April, 2008 Ireland’s youngest acclaimed karate international, 10-year-old Craig Ryan has added another knotch to his belt by becoming Scottish Open Champion 2008. Craig was part of the Northern Ireland team who battled it out for international titles at Meadowbank Stadium, in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Over 700 competitors took part in the two day event, a precursor of the Commonwealth Karate Federation Championships due to take place in the city at the end of May. The Lisburn schoolboy, who in the last 12 months has won British Youth and a Malta Karate Classic titles, is becoming accustomed to high level underage competitions. He fought his way through the preliminary rounds to gain a place in the final. Craig’s experience, together with his intense training programme and superior fighting tactics, gave him the edge to take the Scottish Open boy’s title. In the technical kata event, 14 year old Matthew Long from Newtownards took a bronze medal.