Tei Karate visits Ireland

In the second weekend of October through kind invitation from Gordon Maxwell, Mark Fitzpatrick and Stuart Morrish from the Bearsden/Caledonian University Tei Karate Club journeyed with the Cowdenbeath Karate Club (formerly part of the Tei Association) to Killarney, Ireland to compete in a Scotland v. Ireland match-up organised by FSKD Ireland. After winning last year, the Cowdenbeath club were fighting to retain the title against Killarney FSKD Karate Club with other competitors from Cork and Limmerick.

Unfortunately in the individual events no medals were brought back to Glasgow but after suggestion from Gordon on the day, Allan Goodwin, Mark and Stuart put together a team Kata and achieved bronze with Bassai-Dai (Storming the “Irish” Fortress!)

The Cowdenbeath club made a good sweep of the gold medals finishing with an impressive senior mens kumite final between Jonathan Izatt and Allan, both Fifers.

In addition to the competition a great time was also had off the mats. Great spirit was seen in everyone young and old in the club as well as top notch banter! Both Mark and Stuart found it a great opportunity to both train and fight alongside such a successful and competitive karate club and compete out of the country.

Tei Karate reaches quarter finals in the World Karate Championships in Japan!

At the recent world championships in Japan Sensei Bert Ford (6th Dan) and student MacGregor Simpson flew the flag for Tei Karate. Sensei Ford reached the quarter finals at the world cup in Tokyo, demonstrating that the Tei style can compete on any arena. The competition was Shobu Ippon heavy contact with head buts allowed.  Sensei Ford competed in the veterans division in both Kata and kumite whilst Macgregor competed in the senior category. Another of Sensei Ford's students, John Hearn also attended to provide moral support.  During their time in Tokyo they also managed to train with one of the legends of Japanese Karate, Mikio Yahara.

2007 Black Belt Grading Successful

The picture below shows the successful candidates after the award of their 1st Dan grades. They were representing all the Clubs from Blantyre, Bearsden and Cowdenbeath and Fife. Our commiserations also go to those who were not successful.