Post by fujicolt on Apr 27, 2011 0:07:58 GMT
I recently found stored away a piece of UK Karate History - please allow me to Explain.
The former General Secretary of the KUGB (the very talented organiser: Cliff Hepburn) branched out and formed
CHP = Cliff Hepburn Promotions
and he put together the largest and best coordinated All-Styles Series of Karate tournaments in the UK and Europe. All regions were covered culminating in a National Tournament each year. Individual and (5 man Kumite and 3 man Kata) Team Kata and kumite events were held.
In a few short years the tournaments became hugely popular with All styles, Japanese , Korean and Chinese, all very strongly represented with many 'Name' Fighters competing. It hit its peak in the early to Mid 80's.
There was also a league table and competitors scored league points by placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in each event and the scores would add up as the year progressed.
For a couple of years I competed in these events as a member of the Kenshinkan Karate Team and in 1983 we decided to really go for the league title - I remember we competed in 14 tournaments in 1983. the Squad we had consisted of myself, Dave Pridgeon, Mick Sawyer, Mick Douglas, Paul Mendham, Spud Tate, Rob Loft and Tivvy Gomersall who acted as team manager and Captain. we all competed in Team individual Kumite and Kata events and took many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies - especially pleasing was to twice beat Alfie Lewis's very strong Toxteth Lau Gar for 1st place in two regional finals. - they were our regular foe but real good friends. very skillful especially Alfie! and the now infamous Steve French known more for his days as a bit of a heavy in the Liverpool criminal underground - am sure you have seen the documentaries and are pleased that Steve has changed his ways and earns a living helping youngsters stay out of the drug and crime world and being a successful corporate speaker !!
We fought our hearts out, all received significant injuries (everything from cracked ribs to dislocated shoulders, broken noses and KO's - it was full on stuff!) well it paid of and we were ranked the most successful All-Styles Tournament Team in the UK that year and received our Certificates at the huge National All-styles finals held in Coniontry. It was a very tough year but we stuck at it and Tivvy Gomersall deserves special mention for doing all the organising and being a very dependable No:5 fighter in the Team.
here is a scan of my First place Certificate duly signed by Cliff Hepburn himself! Happy days sadly gone and never to return !
I wonder how many still have theirs!
The former General Secretary of the KUGB (the very talented organiser: Cliff Hepburn) branched out and formed
CHP = Cliff Hepburn Promotions
and he put together the largest and best coordinated All-Styles Series of Karate tournaments in the UK and Europe. All regions were covered culminating in a National Tournament each year. Individual and (5 man Kumite and 3 man Kata) Team Kata and kumite events were held.
In a few short years the tournaments became hugely popular with All styles, Japanese , Korean and Chinese, all very strongly represented with many 'Name' Fighters competing. It hit its peak in the early to Mid 80's.
There was also a league table and competitors scored league points by placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in each event and the scores would add up as the year progressed.
For a couple of years I competed in these events as a member of the Kenshinkan Karate Team and in 1983 we decided to really go for the league title - I remember we competed in 14 tournaments in 1983. the Squad we had consisted of myself, Dave Pridgeon, Mick Sawyer, Mick Douglas, Paul Mendham, Spud Tate, Rob Loft and Tivvy Gomersall who acted as team manager and Captain. we all competed in Team individual Kumite and Kata events and took many 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies - especially pleasing was to twice beat Alfie Lewis's very strong Toxteth Lau Gar for 1st place in two regional finals. - they were our regular foe but real good friends. very skillful especially Alfie! and the now infamous Steve French known more for his days as a bit of a heavy in the Liverpool criminal underground - am sure you have seen the documentaries and are pleased that Steve has changed his ways and earns a living helping youngsters stay out of the drug and crime world and being a successful corporate speaker !!
We fought our hearts out, all received significant injuries (everything from cracked ribs to dislocated shoulders, broken noses and KO's - it was full on stuff!) well it paid of and we were ranked the most successful All-Styles Tournament Team in the UK that year and received our Certificates at the huge National All-styles finals held in Coniontry. It was a very tough year but we stuck at it and Tivvy Gomersall deserves special mention for doing all the organising and being a very dependable No:5 fighter in the Team.
here is a scan of my First place Certificate duly signed by Cliff Hepburn himself! Happy days sadly gone and never to return !
I wonder how many still have theirs!