B.C.C.M.A  Northern Championships

The BCCMA Northern Regional Championship was held on Sunday 16 November 2003 at the AT7 Centre in Coventry.  This particular competition was open to all regardless of whether they were affiliated to the BCCMA.

For Sil Lum Kune it was a great opportunity to field a large team, in part because Coventry is very close to their home territory.  The squad was made up of both Kung Fu exponents and Chinese Kick Boxers who train with Sifu Paul Burkinshaw at Exhall, Bulkington, AT7 and Holbrooks.

The association was supported by a team of juniors, making a total squad of 22. The senior squad was also well attended and complemented by a squad coming down from Alnwick in Northumbria.  There were also three ladies competing in the female Qingda categories. For some it was their first taste of competition outside of the club environment.  For others it was another chance to add to their medal tally from previous competitions 2003 and the preceding years.

The number of competitions a person has undertaken does not diminish the butterflies in the stomach.  In some respect it is harder for a gold medallist to go out to compete time and again.  The expectation for them to win is far higher than for someone who is competing for a first time.  Conversely for the first timer they do not know what to expect, the feelings they experience are no less stressful.   That a student will undertake this pressure is confirmation that they have faith in their style of Kung Fu; ultimately it is a show of respect toward their Sifu.

The competition commenced with the junior Qingda competition and the adult forms.  Only three adults took part in the forms, David Richardson, Robert Buckler and Alexandra Hyde.  The category was made up of both male and female competitors and covered two different styles.  The squad gained its first medallists with Robert Buckler taking Silver and Alex Hyde taking Bronze:

The junior Qingda started with the youngest and smallest competitors first with the following results for Sil Lum Kune.  Todd Flanaghan-Jones achieved yet another gold medal as he outclassed all his opponents. Jackie Ingham also stood out, in what was his first competition showing tremendous presence of mind, despite being very nervous.  Jackie took control of his fights and swept his opponents out of the ring to take a very worthy Gold.  Ashleigh Humphries one of the squad’s Chinese kick boxers achieved a Gold medal. 

Tom & Todd In Final Of Cadet Qingda Sparring

After the San Shou fighters had completed their competition, the afternoon commenced with the ladies Qingda categories starting with the U56k.  Sil Lum Kune took two medals in the first category with Alex Hyde taking the gold medal position and Faye McKenna taking the bronze.  In the under 70k ladies category Natasha Man-Harwood took the bronze medal position with her opponents applauding her improvement in skill.  Tash had taken part in her first competition back in September at the BCCMA UK National Championships having been training for only 6 months.  She had fought valiantly but was lacking in skill.  Her opponents were also competing at these Championship and they commented on the vast improvement in her fighting style

With the ladies categories completed the competition moved on to the men’s categories.  The competition was fierce and skilful with some excellent fights from all competitors.  Gold medallists included Jason Darker, Robert Buckler, Sean Gains, etc etc.  Other medallists here

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To compete at National Level is a humbling experience, it is important to respect your fellow squad members as well as those with whom you are competing.  The emotion is always high, tempers can be frayed and nerves on edge.  All those competing from Sil Lum Kune maintained their composure and were respectful of their opponents.   The camaraderie was more than just between squad members, it extended out to their fellow competitors whatever their affiliation.  It was a successful day for the squad, for the association and for each competitor who gave their all for their Sifu and their association.

Written By Alexandra Hyde (Student Of Sil Lum Kune)