Since the turn of the new year, our kumite training schedule has been focused on improving fitness, stamina, speed and tenacity whilst maintaining the technical skills developed last year. A lot of emphasis has also been placed on advanced kicking techniques. I have been inspired by the work rate and attitude of the squad and was really pleased to see the hard work pay off in our first competition of 2009 at Dudley. For 12 competitors pick up 12 medals is an achievement in itself but it was the manner that this was done that pleased me the most. Every athlete looked a class above their opponents (even those who who unlucky enough not to win a medal) and it was great to see the techniques we has been working on put into practice.
The following athletes have worked particularly hard this year and I would like to recognise:-
Calra Burkitt - the movement and speed shown yesterday was amazing, a "maturing champion"
Amy Thomason - great consistency, tenacity and a well deserved gold medal in the toughest category
Kerry Gunn - great kicks rounded of with a superb ushiro maewashi geri, technique of the day
Jordan Thomas - 18 points in one fight says it all about his performance
Michael Burke - real consistency and sharpness backed by great kicking ability
Whitney Rose - speed and sharpness backed up with some great kicks
Jake Langeley - speed, sharpness and will get better and better moving forward
I chose to mention these people because they have consistently trained hard and attended nearly every if not all training sessions this year. From my point of view, it was plain to see the step up in pace that these athletes showed yesterday which can only stand them in good stead for the upcoming English Championships and Senior European selections. Well done to you all, I'm proud of you.
Glen Middleton 3rd Dan
Former England International
Kaizen Central Senior Coach
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