British Open – September 2010 Hot of the plane from Tokyo, where Belfast international, James Brunton won a bronze in the Japanese National Championships, Northern Ireland had it’s strongest team ever at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank stadium. The first two medal’s of the tournament went to Sophie Rogers of South Belfast, and Martina Gilmore from Cookstown, who each took a bronze medal in the girl’s kumite events in the respective weight categories. On Saturday evening, team coach, James Brunton, was on the fighting mats. He fought his way through the preliminary rounds to win a place in the finals of his individual event, where he narrowly missed out on gold. Next up was the senior mens open fight off, where Brunton hoped to emulate his success in the British International Open, where he took the championship title in the Senior Men's Open section. Winging his way through the initial bouts, Brunton faced Scottish champion, Calum Robb. Respecting each others fighting abilities, the two men fought a defensive bout, with Robb taking a score off Brunton towards the end of the fight. The Belfast man had to settle for his second runners up medal. The under 14's had a chance to shine on the Sunday, and spurred on by the previous days success, pint sized Thomas Allen of Antrim took a silver medal in the boys under 10 years category. Newcastle's Rory O'Boyle won a bronze medal in the boys under 14 heavy weight event. The showcase event on Sunday was the boy's under 14 team event, and the Northern Ireland team was made up of Craig Ryan, Lisburn; Connor Gilmore, Cookstown and TJ Morris from Banbridge. With some 16 teams in the event, the boys had their work cut out for them. However, they did not disappoint their fans, and their fighting skills shone through, with a nail biting semi final, were they won a place in the finals by two fights to one. Northern Ireland, unfortunately missed out on a championship title again, but came home with a well earned silver team medal. “I am delighted with the team's success,” their ecstatic president, Oliver Brunton commented. “Northern Ireland does not have the numerical strength of the other three home nations, and for them to make such a mark at the British championships speaks volumes for the talent and dedication to the sport we have here.   Spring Camp 2011 Kildress welcomes the return of Irish karate ace The rugged countryside of Mid Ulster merited a return visit from the Northern Ireland Karate-Do Wado-Kai (NIKW) for their annual spring camp. Kileenan Parish Centre, the home of the NIKW’s Kildress club was the venue for four workshops of intensive technical karate training. Course tutor was Irish karate ace, Oliver Brunton, who demonstrated to participant’s the refined movements which he has honed to produce dynamic karate which can produce devastating effect. Over the past 50 some years, Oliver has trained at karate daily, at times for up to eight hours, making him Ireland’s most skilful practitioner. He has travelled frequently to Japan to learn more about the art to which he has dedicated his entire adult life. Oliver’s proficiency at pure Wado karate has been recognised on many occasions by the Japanese Karate Federation (JKF) He became the first European to become a Technical Examiner with JKF, and was honoured with the title of Kyoshi or Doctor by the Japanese Federation. Two years ago Oliver obtained another first when he travelled to Japan to do a rigorous grading examination in front of a board of Japanese masters, resulting in him being unanimously passed to the grade of 7th Dan with the JKF, the first non-Japanese national to be awarded this grade. The Irish man’s pioneering instinct began as a young man when he took responsibility for introducing karate to Northern Ireland. He was the first man from the country to qualify as a European Karate Federation (EKF) official and also the only one to ever hold the rank of Referee and Technical Judge with the World Karate Federation (WKF). For 13 years he served as Secretary of the Referee Commission of both these international bodies. Oliver has used his knowledge in the competition arena to bring on many young competitors’ here. Most note worthy is his son James who has won many international championships and holds British and American Open titles. Last month, James became the first karate athlete from Northern Ireland to be selected onto the British squad, and travelled to Montenegro where he won all of his fights for the British team. Karate practitioners from all over Ireland travelled to Kildress to learn from this great Irish martial art legend. The seminar covered all aspects of karate from basics to more advanced techniques. Oliver showed the students the importance of applying the proper technical criteria to make their karate work. “Many years of intensive study has shown me that teaching the movements is only the beginning of a person’s journey to learn karate technique,” he said. “They need to apply the proper skills to make these movements come to life.” A special feature of the weekend’s training was a session with James Brunton who showed the fighting skills required to be successful in the competition arena. Evidence of how the camp was enjoyed by participant’s is that the NIKW’s summer training camp, which is overseen by Oliver, is now almost fully booked. Kildress club’s coach, Martin Gilmore, who trains regularly with Oliver at the Karate Centre of Excellence is Belfast City Centre was honoured that his instructor was able to visit the mid-Ulster club. “I am delighted that Oliver has taken the time to come here and impart his knowledge to people here,” he remarked. “For someone of his stature to instruct my students is an encouragement for me, and is a great plus for the Kildress club.” Kildress Karate Club trains at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Kildress on Tuesday night’s from 7.30pm to 9pm. For further information visit www.irishkarate.com or call 07879413202   British 4 nation championships – Sheffield June 20 Belfast karate international, James Brunton, consolidated his position as one of Britain’s ‘top guns’ when he took a championship title at the British 4 Nations karate championships in Sheffield. And after taking a gold medal in his weight category, Brunton went on to make his way to the finals of the open weight event. Here is met current World champion, and worthy adversary, Scotland’s Callum Robb, who had already taken a gold medal in the men’s open weight category in Japan. The atmosphere in the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre was electric as the two British champions battled it out. Although he put up a remarkable challenge, Brunton had to concede defeat to Robb, settling for a runner-up medal. Brunton has two former British titles to his name, as well as an American Open title. Last year he was the first athlete from Northern Ireland to be chosen as part of a British squad competing in Montenegro. Northern Ireland took a further three medals at the championships. T J Morris from Banbridge won a silver medal in his weight category in the male cadet events, while Craig Ryan from Lisburn a bronze in the male cadet open weight event. Belfast’s Jim Ferguson also won a bronze medal in the special disability event. The standard at the event was extremely high, and it is therefore encouraging for karate athletes here that the Northern Ireland team made such a mark at the championships. Watching from the sidelines was President, Oliver Brunton who was delighted at the squad’s success. .“Although we don’t have the numerical strength of the other home nations, we proved this weekend that the standard of karate in Northern Ireland is just as high as it is in the other British countries,” he remarked. “James’ success both in Britain and in the international arena has put Northern Ireland karate firmly on the map,” Oliver continued. “Now with our achievements in the cadet events, we have shown that the talent is coming up behind him, securing Northern Ireland’s future for years to come”.   NI Karate Stars – perfect in Portugal 2 GOLD & 3 Bronze For N. Ireland in European WADO-KAI in LISBON - 22-23 October 2011 Northern Ireland's top fighters James Brunton and Craig Ryan took both Gold in Kumite and Bronze in Kata at the European Wado-Kai championships in Lisbon at the weekend. At the same time Ross Dinsmore took bronze in the Boys Kata – in an extremely high standard category. WELL DONE TO ALL   Brunton clenches fifth European title The Northern Ireland karate squad were punching above their weight at the Euro Wado Cup recently in Lisbon when the three-strong team took five medals. Europe’s top athletes descended on the Iberian Peninsula for the event which was to establish the top fighters outside Japan. First up was Lisburn school boy, 14 year old Craig Ryan, who won a championship title at the British Karate Open recently. Ryan made light work of his opponents, making it into the finals on the second day of the tournament. The teenager’s superior techniques, together with his tough training regime and competition experience helped him secure Northern Ireland’s first championship title. In the cadet technical event, Ryan narrowly missed out on his second final, and had to settle for a bronze medal. Meanwhile, Carrick’s 15 year old Ross Dinsmore took a bronze in his weight category. Also hot on the heels of the British Karate Open tournament, where he took a championship title, Belfast’s international fighter, James Brunton took a gold medal and his fifth Euro Wado championship title. Looking on was Northern Ireland Karate President, Oliver Brunton. “Last year, Northern Ireland made their mark during the world championship tour, when James beat some of the top Japanese fighters to take a gold medal,” he said. “With his fifth European title, he can now claim supremacy at this event. “With Craig and Ross coming up behind him, Northern Ireland’s karate future among Europe’s elite remains safe,” Oliver added.   Tagai Course Spain 26th & 27th November 2011 The tagai course was a great success And during his closing address Tagagi sensei said how rewarding it was to see a father having the ability to pass on such a wonderful treasure to his son indicating sensei Brunton and james   N. Ireland gets woman Top Kumite judge Violet Brown has successfully passed the European Karate Federation (EKF) judges qualification After completing the rigorous test in Spain, Violet was granted EKF judge B this leaves Northern Ireland with Irelands only European Kumite qualified woman official, and the NIKW and the NIKB wish her well in the future now that she has reached the 1st step on the long road to refereeing success in the World Karate Federation   Japan National Karate Championships – August 2010 Belfast bomber, karate international James Brunton, took on the Japanese at their own game and won, when he won a bronze medal at the Japanese national karate championships. James was part of the Northern Ireland karate team who took part in the ten day Japan 2010 tour taking part in events in the Japanese cities of Nagoya and Tokyo. Over 50 countries travelled to the Far Eastern archipelago to meet in the world cup event taking place in the shadows of Nagoya castle. Brunton powered through the preliminary rounds making it through to the final eight competitors, before coming up against current World Karate Federation champion Satoshi Ibuchi. Although he put up a good fight, securing several scores, Brunton had to concede defeat to the Japanese fighting legend. The following weekend, the Northern Ireland team took part in the Japanese national championships. Brunton was in a pool of over 150of Japan’s top senior athletes. After an electrifying day of karate on the first day of the competition,. Brunton had whittled down the opposition, ending up in the top 16. The elite athletes met at the world famous Nippon Budokan on the Sunday. Brunton was again on winning form, ending up in the semi-finals, but didn’t make it to the final, and had to settle for bronze. 15 year old Sophie Rogers also made it into the second day of competition demonstrating strong character against tough competition. The Northern Ireland delegation was led by James’s father, Oliver, President of Karate here, who has already achieved fame in Japan with his technical ability and has reached the level of shu-ha-ri with the Japanese Karate Federation commented “I am very pleased with the team’s performance, “Considering the high level of karate in Japan, for James to take a bronze medal, and for Sophie to make it into the top 16 is a great achievement for Northern Ireland. To be competing and winning at this level demonstrates how high the standard of karate has risen here.”   British 4 nation Championships 2010 results Over 800 competitors converged on the Medowbank Stadium in Edinburgh to watch karate at international level 16 countries participated in the annual event and the audience was given a fantastic display of karate competition N. Ireland being so small came away with their heads held high by taking 2 Gold and 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. International fighter James Brunton fought his way to the finial in great form beating arch rival Glen Mundell in the semi finals by a clear 4 points It seemed like payback time as Glen had put James out on a split decision in Tokyo at the WKF world championships in November last. This placed him in the final against Colin Robb who is current World-Wado champion, James showed great fighting ability and healed the 6ft 5'' 180kg fighter to a 1 point decision leaving James with the silver position. N. Irelands other young competitors performed well with Young Craig Ryan taking the Gold position having fought his way through 38 competitors from the 16 countries, and team mate Daniel Parke from Antrim also taking the gold in the boys 12 to 13 years category Also on the medal rostrum was Connor O Boyle from KUNI Newcastle having taken his first international medal in the boys 14 to 15years which was also a very demanding category. All in all N. Ireland is moving from strength to strength in the karate world which the president attributes to the great harmony and technical excellence which exists within the NIKB Northern Ireland Karate President, Oliver Brunton’s vision to see the national team as a force to be reckoned with within Britain became a reality last weekend, when the local team returned from the British championships in Edinburgh with an astounding six individual medals, and a runner up team title. When he took up the position of President, Oliver’s long term plan was to promote Northern Ireland karate within these isles and beyond, with an objective of this aim to win medals at the four nations championship.   James is selected for British Squad - March 2010 James has just become the first competitor from Northern Ireland to be selected on the British Karate Squad. James along with others from England and Scotland and Wales was picked to compete in an International competition in Montenegro at the weekend James had 3 fights on the team against Montenegro, Italy, and Serbia and wan all three fights securing a place in the future James father commented '' I am very proud to have trained the first karate fighter to have been selected onto the British Squad '' This is an indication of the hard work and dedication that James has shown in his training over the years and it will be a great boost for Northern Ireland Karate. James this weekend heads off to the Dutch open for more competition   Brunton is top gun at the British Karate Open Belfast’s James Brunton proved he was the top gun at the British Karate International Open this weekend when he clinched the men’s open weight championship title. Top karate athletes from Europe, the Middle East, and from as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, descended on Glasgow to fight it out in this prestigious tournament. The Kelvin Hall Sports arena was packed on Saturday evening for the showcase event of the tournament. In this modern day Clash of the Titan’s Brunton’s easily brushed aside the opposition, in one instance winning by the maximum eight clear points, on his path to the semi-finals. As Brunton was the last British fighter left standing, the home crowd got behind him as he faced Australia’s finest, and drawing on his repertoire of fighting techniques, shone through to secure a place in the championship final. The Belfast boy faced Egypt’s top fighter and, displaying the courage and guile he has become synonymous for, Brunton won by a clear 3-0, taking Northern Ireland’s only gold of the championships This is the latest title in a long list of international successes for Brunton, including an American Open title. Earlier this year, he made history by becoming the first person from Northern Ireland to be chosen as part of the British squad, who took part in a special event in Montenegro. Brunton also took a bronze medal in his individual weight category at the Glasgow championships. 15 year old Sophie Rodgers from Holywood took bronze in the female cadet section, her second medal this year as she also won bronze at the Scottish Open event held at the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh in April. Meanwhile, in the children’s section, 13 year old T J Morris from Banbridge won bronze in the boy’s 12-13 category. The Northern Ireland team’s performance was witnessed by President of karate here, Oliver Brunton, who is delighted by their success. “James’ path to eventual victory was remarkable, considering the standard of fighters in the British Open event,” he commented. “The devastating way he deals with his opponents is sensational, and has proven to be inspirational to the youngsters in Northern Ireland. “I am pleased with both Sophie and TJ, who have shown that young people can compete at a high level in this fighting art without injuring themselves,” Oliver said. Anyone wishing to learn karate at the Brunton Schools of Karate Excellence should call 028 90 616453 or visit www.irishkarate.com   Scottish Open – May 2009 James Brunton has set another record for Karate in N. Ireland Top karate international, James Brunton, added another championship title to his repertoire when he took a gold medal at the Scottish Open at the Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh at the weekend. Despite the British Isles being closed off to air travel, elite fighters from Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland descended on the Scottish capital, with a Dutch team travelling by land and sea to make it to the event. Hot on the heels of his success in Montenegro fighting for the British team, Brunton displayed many of the winning techniques which have earned him a strong fan base from within these islands. Making his way through the preliminary rounds, he came up against top Irish competitor, Sean O’Hara in the final. Drawing on his armoury of moves, Brunton clinched the championship title, underlining his reputation as Ireland’s top fighter. In the underage events, British and Commonwealth champion, Lisburn’s 13 year old Craig Ryan, took a silver medal in his weight category, and a bronze in the open weight event. Also making a name for himself in the British arena, is 14 year old Ross Dinsmore who took bronze in the male cadet event, while Sophie Rodgers (15) from Holywood took bronze in the female cadet section. The fighters are all trained by Irish karate legend and World Karate Federation official, Oliver Brunton at the Karate Centre of Excellence in Belfast City Centre. With almost 50 years experience teaching karate, and numerous accolades to his name, Brunton senior has created an atmosphere of dedication and achievement amongst his students. “Success breeds success,” he said. “James is accumulating a catalogue of titles around the world, from British to American Open champion. He is a role model for our younger fighters, who want to emulate his successes. “By taking them outside Ireland, we can put their training to the test,” Oliver continued. “Our team were able to hold their own, and beat some of the top athletes from across the British Isles. “Later on this summer, we are taking a team to the World Wado Cup in Nagoya, Japan,” he said. “The event in Edinburgh was one of the preparatory competitions I have selected for this world event, and I am happy with the team’s progress. They will have a further opportunity to test their mettle at the British Open competition in July.” For further information on training with Oliver and James Brunton, visit www.irishkarate.com or call 028 90 616453   European Wado-Kai Dublin European Wado-Cup – Dublin The Northern Ireland karate team were in top form at the European Wado Cup last weekend, bringing home three gold and two bronze medals. The Dublin based championships attracted teams from ten countries including Russia, Macedonia, Italy and Spain. In the under-age events, 12 year old Craig Ryan, who holds Commonwealth and British titles, successfully secured a place in the finals of the boy’s technical event, where he took his first gold medal of the tournament. Craig then went on to fight his way through the heats of the free fighting boy’s section, making his way to the finals, where he gained his second championship title. His team mate, 12 year old Martina Gilmore, was making her debut on the international circuit. The wily youngster gained a place in the semi-finals of both the girl’s technical and Kumite events, taking a bronze medal in both categories. The highlight of the championships was when Belfast man, James Brunton, skilfully fought his way to the finals, staving off the top fighters from Romania and the Republic of Ireland in the quarters and semi’s. Brunton, who holds USA Open and British titles among his repertoire, was on top form when he met Italy’s top athlete, and secured his fifth European-Wado championship title. The team train with Irish karate ace, Oliver Brunton, who is delighted with the way they performed. “James and Craig continue to go from strength to strength, while young Martina showed great promise in her first international tournament,” he said. Anyone who would like to train with Oliver should visit www.irishkarate.com