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WEKAF British Championships 2009

EA Doce Pares at the WEKAF British Championships 2009

Alex and Ryan cornering British Champion Ismael

The team with the winners

On 8th November 2009 Sunday, the WEKAF British Championships was held at the North Romford Community Centre.

The first qualifying event for the World Championships - to be held in Mexico in July 2010 - began with the weighing in of competitors at 9.30am. As everyone settled in, the Sayaw (Forms) competition started with three categories: mens, womens and kids.

Five of our very own Sayaw competitors bagged the medals. First timer, Emmanuel 'Kyd' Franklin won the 2009 WEKAF British Champion title for the Men's division. Kyd beat other more experienced competitors who have competed at World level championshps. And Ryan Atchazo won Bronze for performing an impromptu kerambit form.

The Kids category was dominated by our own competitors: 2008 WEKAF Sayaw (Form) British Champion Matthew Go-Olivar who again won Gold, and first timers Kristofer Franklin who got Silver and Shaun Martin, Chatham-based, who won Bronze for his bangkaw (staff) form.

Kris Franklin also won the Kid's Single Stick sparring event as well. Another British Champion for 2009.

The Double stick fighting competition saw two new British Champions from our team. Peter Bienge won the Heavy Weight Championships after he had to fight for the Gold against team mate Chris Yeboah, who had to settle with Silver. Finally, the Super Heavy Weight category was dominated by Ismael Fraser who dominated all his fights.

The entire event didn't finish til 9.30pm. The day was extremely long but full of fun and laughter. It was well worth the wait! EA Doce Pares is looking forward to meeting everyone again in March 2009!

See the Photo Gallery