The Shito-ryu Shukokai World Cup has taken place in Greece with over 300 representatives from the following countries:

Albania, Austria, Botswana, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Slovak Republic, Scotland, Syria and Wales.

Congratulations to our U.K. squad for their fantastic achievements.

The whole squad were exemplary in their fighting spirit and attitude both on and off the mat, magnanimous in victory and dignified in defeat, showing both respect for themselves and others; this is the "Budo Way", a code all karateka should try to adopt.
I was personally proud of each and every one of them; they make perfect role models for the younger generation of karateka to follow.

A special mention must go to Barry Williams on his retirement from competition due to work and family commitments.
He stepped into the breech one last time (for which I will be eternally grateful) and now retires with one last title to add to his long list.

"He will be a hard act to follow".

The Squad

Assistant Coach: Andrew Wilson
(Thanks for all your help Will)

Achievements

-Winners of the Shito-ryu Shukokai World Cup

-Men's Team - Gold
-Ladies' Team - Gold

Men's Open
-Barry Williams - Gold
-Mathew Newton - Bronze

Ladies' Open
-Andrea Scott - Gold
-Laura Hitchen - Bronze

Men's -80kg
-Phil Shufflebotham - Gold
-Barry Williams - Silver

Men's -75kg
-John Carr - Silver
-Andy Plumb - Bronze

Ladies' -65kg 18-21yrs
-Becky Clark - Gold
-Laura Hitchen - Silver

Men's -65kg 18-21yrs
-Mathew Newton - Silver

Junior Ladies
-Sam Horton - Gold

Ladies' Senior -60kg
-Andrea Scott - Silver

I'm sure you would all agree this was a magnificent result for the U.K.
All the hard work on squad trainings throughout the year certainly paid off.

"Through hard work, dedication and a willingness to learn, all things are possible."

My thanks must also go to the host of the championship, the Greek SSKU for all their hard work and for making us feel so welcome.

~Denis Casey