GKR Karate International World Cup 8

03/07/2015 All Ages All Grades

Liverpool Echo Arena

Wow! What a spectacular weekend the GKR Karate World Cup 8 in Liverpool was. Three days of the absolute best competition that GKR has to offer.

Friday 3 July

It all started on Friday evening with the Kancho and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool officially opening proceedings. Then it was on to the Team Kata and Team Kumite competitions. This was a great way to start the weekend with some beautiful Team Kata and fast and furious Team Kumite action right from the start of the competition.

Saturday 4 July

On Saturday things got off to a brilliant start with the competitor run in and official opening ceremony. There were 20 competition rings running all day with some amazing effort being displayed all over the hall. Congratulations to everyone that won a medal over the weekend, especially our World Champions, fantastic effort!

Sunday 5 July

On Sunday things went up a notch with the start of the Open Junior and Senior events. The Open competitors showed just why we have some of the best karateka in the world! After the Open Heats we then relaxed for a few minutes to the beats of the ‘Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers’. Then came the fantastic demonstrations from GKR’s top International Instructors.

Shihan Stacey Karetsian opened proceedings with a self-defence demonstration and talk. Sensei Gavin Samin was up next with a group of five GKR UK Regional Managers to do a Bunkai demonstration of techniques from Taigyoku Nidan Kata. Shihan Stacey Karetsian then returned to do a kata demonstration which was amazing! Kancho Robert Sullivan then finished of the demonstrations with a Makawara and breaking demonstration, which was unbelievable!

Finally to finish the event were the Junior and Senior Open Finals! Some absolutely amazing kata was performed in the finals by our best of the best. Then the kumite was a real spectacle to behold with everyone coveting the chance to be a GKR World Cup Open Champion.

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who attended over the weekend for their dedication and commitment especially the officials for helping tirelessly throughout the weekend. It was much appreciated!!

Sensei Andrew Ward
Assistant Tournament Director
GKR Karate International

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.

About GKR

GKR Karate International World Cup 8