The final outing for LKC saw Elliott Smith compete in Paulsgrove Karate Club junior competition. This event has been running for a great many years and I myself was very pleased with the standard and organisation of the event.  There were two events, kata and sambon kumite. To cap the year Elliott took 2nd place in the sambon and 1st place in kata, a good end to a great year.

November saw the club enter the Portsmouth Open Karate Tourament. This is a long standing championship now entering it's 40th year. Once again LKC came away with trophies. Sam Weaver and George Oliver foaught to their usual high standards both taking 3rd place in the youths kumite. Linus Nelson despite new to the dojo and his first outing in competition took third place in the 1st kyu and below kumite, showing great potential for the future. This month alson saw Terry Oliver gaining recognition as an international referee with the SKDUN.

The w/e 6/7 June saw members of LKC taking advantage of the second black & brown belt course of the year in Plymouth. The long journey was however worth the trek. Staying at the same hotel we met up with some of the west country karateka along with members from Portsmouth Karate Club for a meal and general socialising. Sunday meant back to business with Sensei Dewey running the class through Jion kata, a good choice of taining with much to be learnt by all. At the following grading LKC was represented by Pete Turrell attempting his second dan. This went exactly according to plan with yet another successful pass this year. Post grading Pete was then invited to commence training with the SEKU senior squad This put the icing on his cake so to speak and just rewards for the effort and commitment shown through-out the year.

A fantastic first quarter of the year.

The SEKU annual national championships were held as usual  at the Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth. Lovedean KC had small entry with some stepping up into untold territory. With their first outing at adult kata the team of George Oliver. Sam Weaver and James Cox took third place only missing out on second position by 0.1 pt. George and Sam stepped on to the cadet level with effortless ease with Sam taking a deserved third place while George stepped up his game to win yet another title in the youths kumite. Elliott Smith improved on last years third place to win second in the u/5' sambon kumite. In the 10-4 kyu junior kata Elliott again improved to convincingly win first place. This was also Elliott's first outing in the freestyle kumite but again didn't disappoint by winning yet another first place. The team kumite is always a hottly fought section. This year was no exeption but with the great team spirit at the club Lovedean KC fought long and hard to win second place.

The end of March saw the Hampshire Sports Achievement Awards held at The Rose Bowl, home of Hampshire Cricket Club. I am pleased to announce the George Oliver won the junior sports award. Great news George-Well done.

For the w/e 21 March the SEKU squad travelled to Holland for an SKI championship. Despite their best efforts and against the odds SEKU still returned home with a trophy. Our own Sam Weaver flew the flag in winning third place in the cadet kumite. This win became even more sweet due to George Oliver being defeated in the early rounds but due the the camaraderie and subsequently revenge with Sam gaining revenge on George's behalf. Great result guys.

On Thursday 19th February Havant Borough Council held it's Annual Sports Achievement Awards evening. For the third year running Lovedean Karate Club were in contention for an award. George Oliver added to his Nidan success by winning the Senior Men's category. Not to be content with one award and based on his achievements in 2008 George was also awarded the Sportsman of  the year title. A fantastic honour to be recognised in this manner and proves that had work and commitment gains it's just reward. George has susequently been nominated for the Hampshire Sports Achievement Award. Watch this space for further news.

The year as begun with more success. February once again meant a trip to Newport, I-O-W for the first black and brown belt course  of the year. LKC had a number of attendees with 9 of which were there to grade.

Giles Toomey-smith passed his Junior Shodan, Mark Thompson and Rhys Lewis passing Shodan (1st Dan) also. Richard Weaver, Bhakti Mistry, George Oliver and Sam Weaver all promoted to Nidan (2nd Dan). Matt Smith completed the day with his pass to become Yondan (4th Dan). A really good day for the club for those grading and who went along for both moral support and to gain extra training.

2008

At the 2008 Portsmouth Open Championships Lovedean KC once again came away with trophies. In the 10-4 kyu junior kata Elliott Smith continued to progress from the SEKU championships held in March (4th place) to win 2nd place after a third rematch due to consecutive draws in the final. George Oliver has once again extended the winning streak despite his first outing into the 16/17 year old cadet category. This is a significant step up but with steady progress and training took it in his stride to win yet another title. All members of LKC who attended the championship aquitted themselves with great pride and commitment for both themselves and the club.

A fantastic performance guys well done.

Finally after some time Lovedean kc is back on the Web.

First things first, at the JSKA world championships held in August at Manchester, both George Oliver and Sam Weaverwere selected to represent SEKU youth team. With Mike Grimwood (Plymouth) adding to the team they fought together to take third place and a Bronze medal. In the individual event (16/17yrs) both George and Sam fought well with George competing well at every stage to win a Silver medal and take second place. These achievements were the result of additional training and commitment from both men.

Well done guys.

2006

Saturday 18 March SEKU held it's national championshis i Portsmouth. Also to -day LKC performed a demonstration of self-defence, kata and self defence.

Ben Stone fought well in only his second championship to take third place in the u/5' kumite.I the o/5' section Mark Thompson was beaten in the semi final by club mate George Oliver for third place. George continued into the final narrowly losing for second position. The sambon kumite event saw George Oliver and Sam Weaver meet in the final with George beating Sam into second position to take the title. Junior 3rd Kyu and above gave LKC fourth place for Connor Jeanes and third for Sam Weaver. In the Dan Grade senior kumite event Matt Smith fought with his usual spirit only to be beaten in the semi final for third position. The team kumite event was a shard fought as usual. The club had to import extras due to injuries and sickness but still took third place.

The junior team kata however saw the team of Connor Jeanes, George Oliver and Sam Weaver perform kata to a high standard to become champions for the first time.

At Newport (Isle ofWight), SEKU held it's first Black & Brown Belt of the year. Lovedean Karate Club was well attended with several members making the trip across the water to train. The morning class with Sensei Dewey covered all forms of Jyu-Ippon. The latter session concentrated on kata revision with Sensei Dewey taking Black belts for brown belt kata revision while Sensei Smith covered Heian kata's with the brown belts.

LKC also had four students attempting to achieve Shodan at the grading following the course. I am VERY pleased to offer my congratulations to James Cox, Connor Jeanes, George Oliver and Sam Weaver for successfully gaining the rank of Junior Shodan. Well done guys you are now out of the beginner class and the really hard work is about to begin.

2005

LKC has I feel progressed well beyond expectations during the past 2 years. THE CHALLENGE TO MATCH THIS IMPROVEMENT HAS NOW BEGUN.

The final Black & Brown Belt course for 2005 was held in Portishead (Bristol) 27 November. Lovedean Karate Club sent MIKE GREGORY to attempt his Sho-Dan grading. After weeks of preparation and last weeks championship success Mike passed with flying colours to become another black belt at LKC.

At the 34th annual Portsmouth Open Champioship LKC added to the years current medal total to date.

In the Team Kumite, LKC met Portsmouth in the semi final. Despite the usual injuries, the matches were closely fought with Portsmouth going through to the final leaving LKC in third place.The men's senior dan grade section as as previous years produced some outstanding competitors with MATT SMITH losing out in extra time by just one wazari to take second place. The Brown Belt kumite saw MIKE GREGORY lose in the semi final to gain third place despite a suspected dislocation. In the Young Ladies Kumite section ALICE WILLIAMS took second place after a creditable performance in the final.

The junior section meant that LKC 's usual group moving to the next section. GEORGE OLIVER produced performances beyond both years and grade to take third place in the O/5' kumite section.

Well done to all LKC entrants each member did the club proud.

Last years achievements from LKC would always take some beating but at the SEKU National Championships held at the Mountbatten Centre Portsmouth on Saturday 19th March the club did just that.

For the juniors this year LKC had several competitors entering with minimal experience at this level with some stepping up to a new category. The kata team ( Connor Jeanes, George Oliver, Sam Weaver ) despite only a few training classes together won through to the final to take third place. In the U/5' freestyle event LKC had 3 out of 4 competitors in the semi final. Sam Weaver took third place with George Oliver and Connor Jeanes meeting it the final. Training together meant a tense final and predicably going to extra time. With time on the clock almost up Connor scored a wazari to take first place with George a very creditable second.

In the senior event the Adult Team Kata ( Matt Smith, Matt Williams, Mike Gregory ) matched the juniors by again taking third place despite only having one class to prepare. Continuing in the kata section, Mike Gregory produced an oustanding performance to win the Brown Belt section. Matt Smith produced one of his best kata performances to date beating a former champion in the eliminations to win third place in the Dan Grade Kata final.

Kumite saw LKC win yet more trophies. In her first venture into Kumite Alice Williams took second place in the 16/17 yr old category. Mike Gregory defended the title he won last year by winning the Brown Belt Kumite section, therefpre becoming the Brown Belt Grand Champion .

Due to Mike's injury LKC drafted in a replacement in John Shyne to compete along-side Matt Smith and Matt Williams in the Team Kumite. In the semi final the club faced it's old nemisis Portsmouth. The fights were tense with the fighters evenly matched on both sides but this year LKC won 2-1. In the final LKC beat Newport Fitness Factory (I-O-W) to become SEKU National Champions.

Despite all the trophies on the day, the real winner I feel was LKC in general, with the oustanding team spirit shown from juniors, senior,competitors and spectators.

Well Done

2004

Karate this year at LKC has been exceptional, from championship success, black belt gradings, kyu gradings etc this has been a fantastic year, results that each and every student has deserved.

Congratulations.

At Frome Sports Centre, Somerset on Sunday 28th November SEKU hels the final Black and Brown Belt course of the year. The course consisted of senior Kata (Meikyo) in the morning class taught by Sensei Brian Smith, Squad training and general grading work in the afternoon, followed by Dan gradings. LKC had two people grading. ANDREW THOMPSON put the icing on a great year in achieving his Shodan. MATT SMITH used all his skill, experience and hunger during te day to pass Sandan with style.

Venue, Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth. Event, Portsmouth Open Championship.

LKC had entrants in both junior and senior sections, Kate and Kumite and I am pleased to say achieved yet more trophies. In the Boys team event LKC had 3 out of 4 fighters making their debuts losing out in the final to take second place. MIKE GREGORY fought well to take third place in the mens 1st Kyu and below Kumite. ANDREW THOMPSON progressed into the next section for the first time and took 3rd place in the mens brown belt and below Kata. This success was surpassed however with second position in the youths Kumite. SAM WEAVER continued his progress with FIRST PLACE in the u5' Kumite despite it being his first attempt at this level. The premier event saw LKC and Portsmouth meet in he semi final of the Team Kumite but unfortunatley had to settle for third place. After analysing performances I feel congratulations are in order as EVERY competitor from LKC competed well, and with the correct spirit. WELL DONE YET AGAIN.

On Sunday 12th September SEKU held it's annual Black and Brown Belt course at it's Hombu dojo in Potsmouth. The training included the latest format for Jyu Ippon along with referee and judges training. Th latter partof te day included a Dan grading with LKC having two students attempting first dan. I am pleased to say that both BHAKTI MISTRY and RICHARD WEAVER were successful in acheiving their coveted black belts. The following day they were both back at class trfaining as per usual, looking every bit the black belts they had earned. WELL DONE.

What a Day!

At the 23rd SEKU Annual Championships on Saturday 27th March LKC karateka performed with outstanding results with even chief instructor Sensei Brian Smith leaving with something.

In th Under10 Sambon Kumite LIAM JEANES deservedly took FIRST PLACE. For the junior 10-4 kyu kata section SAM WEAVER continued his dojo training to take FIRST PLACE. ANDREW THOMPSON continued where he left off in Novembers tournament by again gaining FIRST PLACE in the Over 5' kumite. In the youths 16/17 year old section, MATTHEW WILLIAMS maintained his 2003 success to take FIRST PLACE. Mixed feelings for RICHARD WEAVER as he lost in the semi final of the youths event for to team mate Matt Williams, but still gaining THIRD PLACE. Richard bounced back in the senior brown belt kata section to win yet another FIRST PLACE. In the adult 10-4 kyu kumite MIKE GREGORY, although new to the club listened to advice and training. Despite competing against some more experienced fighters he fought through to the final winning FIRST PLACE. CONNOR JEANES stepped up a level this year to the Under 5' freestyle event. Training at the club proved benificial as Connor just lost out in the Semi Final to be awarded THIRD PLACE. MATT SMITH seems to be back to his usual high level of perfomance. After a difficult and tactical match Matt took THIRD PLACE in the Black Belt Kumite. Team Kumite saw the two favourite teams PORTSMOUTH and LOVEDEAN matched together in the semi final.The atmosphere and fighting meant a tight match was inevitable with Portsmouth going through to win the title and LKC having to settle for THIRD PLACE. MATT POWELL has become a regular fixture at LKC, although representing his home dojo of PORTCHESTER he came away with SECOND PLACE in the senior Black Belt Kata event.

During the change-over from junior to senior events Sensei Brian Smith with Matt Smith & Matt Powell perfomed a kata demonstration to music and self defence againt both unarmed and armed attackers. After the demontration it was announced that Sensei Smith has been promoted to the rank of 6th Dan.

6 FIRST PLACES, 4 THIRD PLACES, 1 SECOND A DEMONSTATION AND A PROMOTION.

What a day for Lovedean Karat Club. Well Done. Thank-you also to the spectators from LKC who attended and supported the competitors.

This year has already begun with good news regarding one of our senior members. All the membership of LKC including myself would like to congratulate Matt & Louise Smith on the birth of their son Nathan. Events of this nature do not occur that often at LKC but I doubt even the sleepness nights will stop Nathan's dad from training.

2003

On Sunday 30 November both Matthew Williams and Daniel Doran successfully passed their black belt grading. This has been the completion of a great deal of hard work resulting in just rewards for both members of the club. Congratulations to both and welcome to the Black Belt class.

The 33rd Portsmouth Open KarateTournament was held on Saturday 15 November at the Mountbatten Centre Portsmouth, LKC once again came away with a number of medals.

Team Kata. The junior team Kata consisting of Connor Jeanes, Liam Jeanes and Sam Weaver performed beyond their age and grades in beating some higher graded and more experienced teams to take 3rd position.

Pee Wee Kata, Liam continued his progress in the u/10 section by wininng second place after a fight off for first.

In the O/5' Kumite, Andrew Thompson put in one of his best perfomances to date drawing on his last years experience to win his first title.

For the 16/17 year old section both Richard Weaver and Matthew Williams stepped up from the junior ranks to take 3rd and 1st places respectively.

Team kumite looked like a dissaster after injuries in the individual events left LKC with just 2 fighters. Matt Smith and Matt Powell fought with both pride and passion. Losing the first match in each round in bad enough, but in a Shobbu Ippon event this meant there was no room for error.Both competitors made full use of their experience and fighting spirtit winning a well deserved 2nd place.

Well done to ALL competitors.

At the SEKU National Championships in Portsmouth on Saturday 22rd March 2003 Lovedean K.C. honours are as follows.

Team Kata. The junior team consisted of Connor Jeanes, George Oliver and Connor Jeanes taking third place, an exellent result with minimal practice before the event.

In the O/5' Kumite Lee Hadden continued his promise in championship in gaining second place.

Men's Brown Belt Kata, Richard Weaver took second place, a good achievement in his first senior event.

iIn the senior black belt events Matt Smith once again fought to the maximum taking both third place in Kata and Kumite.

Matt Powell has progressed greatly in the past year winning the Black Belt Kumite (representing Portchester K.C.).

The main event of Men's Team Kumite was as exiting as past years.Matt Smith won the opening match against an experienced Portsmouth Team. Matt Powell the consolidated this with a draw. Matt Williams in his first senior match lost the final bout to a more experienced fighter but a creditable performance no the less. This left the match in a complete draw with the responsibility of a fight-off falling to team captain Matt Smith. This again went to the final bell with the referee narrowly awarding the match to Portsmouth.

Congratulations.