Dec 22, 20212 min read

A fantastic finale to 2021

On Sunday 19th December the SSKA clubs of Berkshire and Hampshire held a kata competition at Queens Anne’s School in Reading. (Pictures below).

The purpose of the day was to remember one of our instructors at Caversham, Sensei Lorna Webber who sadly passed away in 2021.

In addition participants honoured her karate career with high quality performances in Lorna’s favourite discipline of kata.

The event was officiated by our Chief Instructor, Sensei Cole, Assistant Chief Instructor, Sensei Lewis with Senior Instructor assistance from Sensei Ridgeway and Sensei Thomas.

It really was an amazing day with some outstanding performances. All of which were conducted in the true spirit of karate, demonstrating – respect and integrity for our art and fellow karateka.

All proceeds for the day are to be donated to charity – in this case Great Ormond’s Street Hospital (contact me if you still wish to contribute).

While winning trophies is a physical reward, we should not forget the following quote from the founder of our Shotokan style.

“The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”

- Gichin Funakoshi

In this context there were no winners or losers with all karateka benefitting from the interaction, learning and experience provided by the cause, events and competitive nature of the day.

There can be no doubt that the participants, spectators and officials on Sunday demonstrated clear focus and fulfilled this aim.

On behalf of the S.S.K.A. I would like to thank all of you who gave up your time to compete in very uncertain times, and also to those who couldn’t make the day but nonetheless donated to the cause. Your help and friendship is invaluable.