THREE months may have elapsed since she wowed judges to win gold on the international stage, but Kyra Gaiger still feels as though she has not fully awoken from her World Cup dream. Speaking to Shimbun on her return to the competitive ring at the end of September, GKR Karate’s kata queen said: “I’m still in shock – what happened in Milton Keynes hasn’t really sunk in yet.

Dream Run Continues – Kyra Gaiger

Kyra Gaiger, a karate practitioner, demonstrating a martial arts technique

THREE months may have elapsed since she wowed judges to win gold on the international stage, but Kyra Gaiger still feels as though she has not fully awoken from her World Cup dream.

Speaking to Shimbun Magazine on her return to the competitive ring at the end of September, GKR Karate’s kata queen said: “I’m still in shock – what happened in Milton Keynes hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“Being called champion is an odd feeling and feels a bit surreal. I remember reading Shimbun years ago and thinking how cool it would be to be in there and now I am. A dream from when I was little has come true.”

There was, however, nothing sleep-like about Kyra’s bid to claim the women’s senior open South & West London kata title.

The World Stage

Demonstrating the poise that propelled her to the top of the podium at the World Cup, the 20-year-old saw off the challenge of Becky Andrewartha (silver) and Bianca Cohen (bronze) to add another highlight to her golden year and book her place at the UK championships in Sheffield on November 16th.

Kyra continued her winning habit alongside Bianca Cohen and Holly Kirwan, with the trio beating Sarah Boorman, Mary Pitt and Anne Sadler to team kata glory.

Reflecting on the latest additions to her gold medal collection, the university student insisted that winning at the World Cup had not diminished the delight of impressing regionally.

“I did not want to go to the worlds, do well and then not qualify for the national championships,” she added. “I was probably more nervous going into this tournament because there was a bit more expectation that I would do well.

“A lot of that was self-made pressure and came from knowing I have not done much training because of moving north to go to university. Hopefully, in a couple of weeks – when I’m fully settled – I’ll get some training in up there in time for the nationals.

“I’ve always trained a lot so not having been able to do anything over the last month has been an odd feeling. Sitting there on a Tuesday or Thursday and not being in a dojo feels weird!”

This article originally appeared in Issue 2 of Shimbun Magazine in 2019.

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

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