The team of eight have been training hard with World Champion“ Sensei Cathy McAleer”, in preparation for the Championships for months. The NIKA team had great success at the championships and represented Northern Ireland to a very high standard.
Effie Ellis O’Neil a former World silver medallist narrowly was defeated in first round by 3:1 victory to Italy. Effie had been training nonstop in preparation for the event, as well as preparing for her Dan Grade (Black belt). Effie, has been in NIKA since 5years of age and aims to follow in her big brother Roan Ellis O’Neill’s footsteps and achieve her Black Belt on the 3rd July. Effie said “this is fittest and strongest I have ever been and I was disappointed in Italy, but I feel really good and cant wait to grade my black belt next week”.
Team mate and World Champion “Lucy Ouldfield”, only 14years of age is a former junior world champion in 2014. Lucy competed in 2015 and moved up an age category last year in Lithuania and won a silver medal in kumite (Fighting) and was disappointedly beaten in the final 1:0. Lucy returned this year and won the Gold. Lucy had her heart set on a medal this year in Rimini and even with a shoulder injury, she trained hard and the hard work paid off. Sensei McAleer, said” it is great to see two very strong females in the team and following in my footsteps. Both girls have such drive and determination to win”.
“ However, girls don’t rule it all in NIKA. Fergus McMullan currently sitting his GCSE’S, has juggled his study, fitness and preparation for Italy. Fergus, travelled out to Rimini behind the team and on hos own after his exam Friday afternoon as he didn’t want to miss the championships. Fergus achieved silver medal in the worlds and narrowly missed out on gold by 0.4 of a score.
Fergus who recently went through an operation to have a pin placed in the hand. This did not stop Fergus one bit. He was back into class on the Thursday and asking for alternative training from Sensei McAleer as he was adamant he would not lose his fitness and speed for Italy. Sensei McAleer worked with Fergus and continued the preparation for the World Championships throughout Fergus rehab after the operation. Fergus will compete in Kata at this championships and was disappointed don’t to fight, however made a very mature decision with Sensei McAleer to let the hand heal fully for the British Championships in September. Over the last ¾ months Sensei McAleer has focused on one discipline (Kata) with Fergus working on his speed power and technique and Sensei McAleer said he is looking razor sharp in Italy.
Luca Lavery and Jude Neil only 9 & 10 years of age were selected to compete in and represent Northern Ireland, in their very first World championships. Both boys have put in a lot of extra training and know it was not going to be easy and a massive step up from what they have experienced in local tournaments and loved the trip and travelling with the team, representing Northern Ireland . Luca had tremendous performance and lifted a bronze in the under 12yrs kata category. Luca was over the moon and absolutely loved the trip and experience.
Senior men’s team Kevin Neil, Jim Mccafferty and Charlie McMullan are returning to defend their World title in team kata and bronze medal in team kumite from Munich. Unfortunately team mate Martin Rice could not attend this trip due to work commitments but wishes the team the best of luck. Jim just recovering form very bad chest infection was concerned it may have an impact on his kumite performance but has made decision to push on and compete. The team did unreal and achieved Gold in senior men’s Kata, Silver in Ipon means fighting and Jim also won bronze in Individual kata. Tremendous results form the seniors.
Sensei McAleer, would like to thank “GMB Union” for helping the Northern Ireland team with sponsorship and support with the travel to this championships, as without their help and support we could not have afforded to have taken all eight competitors to the championships. This event will be a huge experience for the team and a trip of a life time . All Updates and team results will be posted on Face book and our website: https://www.northernirelandkarate.co.uk . The next focus for NIKA is British championships in September and we are really looking forward to taking the team and some of our junior members to this event in London. If you would like to learn and take up a martial art please logon to our website and book your place.
