Fighters from the Karate Jutsu Kai British Squad represented the UK at the IBK World
Cup on Saturday 10th March in Emmen, Holland. The event, held annually, sees the best
knockdown fighters from across all member nations of the IBK (International Budo Kai
Kyokushinkai) come together to compete. This year saw 70 fighters representing over 10
countries go head-to-head in gruelling full-contact knock-down karate competition.
The highlight for the British Squad was seeing young 1st Dan black belt, Billy Billham,
from Ashford Club, fight his way to take 1st place in the Semi-Contact category, aimed
specifically at developing up and coming fighters aged 16-20 years. Billy fought through
4 rounds to win the final against a heavier fighter from Russia, with a perfect spinning
back-kick to the head.
Meanwhile in the men’s full-contact category for fighters under 85kg, Danny Croft, also
from Ashford Club, took 3rd place. This was a particular achievement for Danny as a
brown belt who was making his debut in the national squad; this was his first full-contact
competition. In the women’s category, Ellie Murphy, from Wimbledon club, came in 4th
place behind a tough line-up of German, Russian and Suisse women.
This success comes from the hard and consistent training promoted by the Karate Jutsu
Kai style, which finds its roots in traditional Okinawan karate systems, promoting mental
and physical toughness. To find more details of your local dojo, where new members are
always welcomed, visit www.karatejutsukai.co.uk and select “dojos”.
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| UK and Danish Competitors |
