Luton Higash Karate Kai

HKK Championships 2008 Rivermead, Reading - Nov 9th

Above - The Luton Lunatics with medals - John, Hayley, Jeff, Ro, Paul, Karen, James, Jenny, Fiona, Enrico and Usha

It's been over two years since Luton Higashi Karate Kai took part in the Higashi championships so it was with some trepidation that a team of 12 lunatics embarked for Rivermead.

Above - Hayley winning bronze in kumite

The day was superbly organised as ever with all the junior events in the morning and the senior's events in the afternoon.

Above - Hayley winning gold in kata

Luton's first and only gold of the day was won by Hayley Blagg who truly showed off her kata skills by taking 1 st place in the girls green/purple belt kata. Hayley did not stop there however and went on to take bronze in the girls open grade kumite.

Above - Paul getting bronze in kata

Little Paul Oakley brought home the next trophy by coming 3 rd in the boys/girls under 16 novice kata. Paul had to get up twice to perform his kata and did the lunatics proud. The instructors have since been reliably informed that Paul did not part with his trophy for several days after.

Above - John doing kata

Then it was down to the seniors to make their mark and follow the outstanding example that had already been set.

Above - John getting silver in kumite

Chief instructor John Hurley took second in the veterans' kumite and 1 st dan. James Mason fought a very close match just to miss out on a medal in the boys black belt kumite. Hell of a punch though James.

Above Fiona and Ro winning medals

Both Fiona Dow and Ro Stripe brought back medals, securing Luton 2 nd and 3 rd place in the mixed 8 th - 5 th Kyu Kata event.

Above - the kumite team - James, Jeff and John - wins bronze

All in all Luton brought home 9 trophies and came 7 th in the country as club which is something to be proud of.

Well done the Lunatics!