Oban Shotokan enjoyed medal success at a major karate tournament, taking nine medals home from the Kanzen Scottish International Karate Championships in Dundee.
There were great highs, lows and controversy during an exciting and demanding event for the club’s athletes at the Regional Performance Centre on Saturday September 30.
Successful rounds in the elimination sections saw several Oban Shotokan competitors make it to the quarter finals, semi finals and through to the finals to win two Scottish karate titles.
Rhys Neil won gold in the 16-17 yearrs Ippon, contact, and silver in the Sanbon, semi-contact, while Ashley Craik took Oban’s other gold medal in the 35 years + Ippon.
Ashley also won silver in the Sanbon as both fighters faced tough finals, with Neil and his opponent given two warnings for lack of control.
However, Neil found his composure and got a score through ruthless determination just as time was up.
Ashley Craik had only trained with the club for two months, with coach Rab Neil teaching her only two competition techniques, which were a high jab with a low yakazuki – reverse punch.
Her opponent had more experience and couldn’t shake off Ashley’s determination and her double combination as their fight went to extra time.
This is where the training at Oban Shotokan came into play, with their athletes encouraged to reach further into themselves when fights become an endurance test.
This was also shown in the performances of the club’s youngsters, with Logan Higgins putting in a great effort to get a silver medal in the nine years Nihon – controlled contact with body protection.
Amira Craik also showed excellent form to gain a silver in the eight years Nihon section, while Charlotte Thomson put in another great performance to win bronze in the 11 years Nihon section.
Coach Rab Neil won two silver medals in the veterans’ Ippon and Sanbon section to add to Oban Shotokhan’s impressive medal tally.
There well excellent performances too from all the club’s other competitors who didn’t make it to the podium this time.
There was controversy as the club’s 11 years Nihon team – which consisted of Seoras Neil, Fraser Pollock, Oliver Gillies and Duncan Wilson – was disqualified after they looked to be at least taking home a bronze medal.
Seven teams from across Scotland had made it to this section and the Oban squad showed excellent skill and were dominating their opponents, resulting in an amazing result to win 4-2 against a tough Aberdeen team.
However, celebrations were cut short as the scoreboard showed the Oban athletes had been disqualified as a result of a rotation error.
Despite the disappointment, the young athletes conducted themselves well, keeping their team spirit alive.
Oban Shotokan can add these medals to their previous successes on the world, European, international and national karate platforms.