Jon Lovett

Shidokan GB has been growing in recent years, with thriving dojos in London, York and Cambridge. This success enabled the style to hold its first inter-club tournament on 25 September. Four fights were held, each of three, two minute rounds.

The bouts were full contact, bare knuckle knock-down, but without full Shidokan rules in that throws or groundwork were not permitted. Shihan JJ Burnel, head of Shidokan GB, refereed and the corner judges comprised Shodan from both York and London clubs. All the fights were of high quality and the competitors showed true Shidokan spirit.

The London men took both of their bouts but the York girls won both of their fights. In particular, the contest between Dennis Austin, a Shodan from London, and Lee Noddins, a 4th kyu from York, was hard fought. Despite the difference in experience, Lee acquitted himself well and shows great promise for the future.

Miriam Zulkarnain continued with a further four rounds of sparring after her three rounds of full contact to gain her 2nd kyu brown belt, which was well earned! Dave Bussey and Richie Shirt of the York dojo also went through three rounds of sparring for their 5th kyu blue belt grading. Shidokan GB plans to hold its first international tournament in two years time, so the interclub tournaments will provide valuable experience for our Great Britain fighters in the run up to the big event.

Official Results:
Simon Harvey (London) versus Paul Smith (York). Harvey victor ippon, Smith forced off tatami 3 times.
Dennis Austin (London) v Lee Noddins (York). Austin victor. Waza ari after 3 rounds.
Miho Aishima (London) v Sandra Sosa (York). Sosa victor. Aishima disqualified.
Takae Hirai (London) v Miriam Zulkarnain (York). Zulkarnain victor. Hirai lost after full time due to one chui (warning).