For the first time the Essex Shotokan Karate Area Championship was held at the Notley Sports Centre, Braintree, the home of the Braintree Shotokan Karate Club.

The event, as usual, attracted a large number of competitors including other martial art styles.

Throughout the day 29 events were held for the different age, height and grade categories.

The Braintree club had a total of 32 entries in the competition and between them won 36 points - the highest of the day.

Apart from the many individuals medals and trophies, an additional bonus five points and the Competition Winner's trophy was awarded.

The winners were Kumite (fighting): Lewis Manning (1st), Shane Carter (1st), Grant Usher (1st), Jonathan Ninian (3rd), Ellis Carter 2nd, Tom Everet (2nd), Andrew Durgan (1st), Ryan Dowsett (2nd), Andy Gillard (2nd), Paul Carter (3rd) and Dean Simpson (2nd). Kata (preset moves): Lauren Manning (1st), Leann How (2nd) and Wesley Thomas (2nd).

The teams were: Lauren Manning, Leann How and Samantha Gillard - Kata 3rd Ime Eka, Akan Eka and Danny Hartgen - Kumite 1st Kate Henderson, Marise Franklin and Lynne Brandon - Kata 3rd.

Chief Instructor Lac Lawrence was pleased with the clubs results and thanked everyone for their efforts.

The club recently had a grading session with many students passing their tests and moving closer to their Black belts.

The club train twice a week at the Notley Sports Centre from 7pm to 9pm and all new students are welcome.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.