JKS Llanbedr DC instructors excel at European Championships

On Thursday 11th September 2025 our three instructors made their way to Denmark to join the rest of the JKS Wales Team. This was in order to participate in examinations, seminars and ultimately the 6th JKS Continental Cup which this year was being hosted by JKS Denmark.

Once the majority of the team had arrived, they headed to the venue to acclimatise and begin their preparation for the weekend ahead.

On Friday 12th September 2025 the work began.

Sensei Stu and Sensei Phil were taking part in a number of examinations and assessments. We are pleased to announce that Stu successfully achieved JKS 5th Dan and Phil ratified his 3rd Dan with the JKS.

Following this, Ant O'Sullivan and Ryan Sensei joined them to participate in a seminar which was led by Kagawa Shihan. This worked on a number of aspects, culminating in competition preparation with a variety of ashi barai techniques to get the brain and body working.

Yamaguchi Sensei took the remainder of the seminar, focusing on Gojushiho Sho. Attendees were shown how the JKS expect the kata to be performed, concentrating on each single aspect.

The team then made their way back to the hotel to change and get some food in preparation for the competition days.

Saturday 13th September the competition began with Kata and a few of the kumite divisions. There was also the unforgettable opening ceremony with the instructors walking out with Team JKS Wales.

Sunday 14th September was the remainder of the Kumite and the start of Team events.

JKS Wales, although having a smaller team than most other countries, performed extremely well showing the effort and drive all members displayed in preparing for the event. Out of a ten person team they returned, having been successfully placed in 5 events.

The highlights for JKS Llanbedr DC were:

Bronze Medallist:

Phil Manning - Individual Male Kata 45-49 years

Silver Medallists:

Phil Manning - Individual Male Kumite 45-49 years

Stu Needham, Phil Manning & Geraint Price - Male Veterans Team Kumite

Other Results:

Ryan Moore - Men's Senior Kata - 5th Place

Stu Needham - Individual Veteran (40-44) Kumite - 5th Place

Head Squad Coach Matt Stockham said:

"The whole team showed exceptional Karate spirit in both victory and defeat. They represented JKS Wales with dignity and determination both on and off the tatami. We were also extremely fortunate to have a good sized supporting group from across Wales. They could be heard across the venue cheering on our competitors and urging them to win. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank not only the Team but also the spectators, the supporters who were sending messages of encouragement whilst watching on-line, the officials and judges and our sponsors who gave generously to assist the team in making this possible. I'd also like to thank JKS Denmark in arranging a superb event that will provide memories for life".