The DOJO squad wins 50 medals at NKL Championship

The DOJO squad

Members of Rochdale’s The DOJO Karate Centre won 50 medals at the recent NKL Championship.

Best performances were from 16-year-old Jack Jolliffe who competed for the first time as a senior, Allan Moffat, Issmaeel Ansari, Rick Ward, Richard Reygan, Isshaaq Ansari, Christine Crosby, Adam Asaf and Haley Burke, with Allan Moffat coming away with the most medals.

These, the first open championships attracted over 330 entries to Rochdale from many towns including Great Yarmouth, Birmingham, Leeds, Bradford, Blackpool, Burnley and Sheffield.

The standard was extremely high, with over 33 categories catering for all ages and abilities.

Sensei Ansari said: “It was a long day but we were delighted with the turn out. I think we’ll have to move into a bigger venue for the next time.

“Everyone commented on the fair judging and the competition format for judging Kata I devised. I’m happy that Team DOJO returned with 50 medals from 29 competitors with many competing for the first time.

“However, as always, there is room for improvement.

“The DOJO Squad will now be focussing on preparations for the two world championships they are attending this year.

“Thereafter, it’s back to belt progression and knowledge development for 2016 for all Dojo Members.

“Special thanks goes to all volunteers who helped out during the day, it would not have been possible without your help, especially to Mark Lineker, Liz Moss, Jamie Ellis and Diane Reygan.”

The NKL is a nationwide project founded by the Sensei Irfan Ansari (head of The DOJO Karate Centre) and is aimed at raising karate competition performance standards across the country with competitions in all four regions planned for 2015-16 season.