On Sunday 12th June 2011 two members of John Tomlinson’s’ Grimsby Strike Team made the Journey to Manchester to compete in the WKC British Open Championships2011.
It was a tough competition with a very high standard of fighter. First to step onto the mat was Evan Balch (8) in the kids -35kg semi-contact. Evan made excellent use of his legs but unfortunately his much older opponent was quicker off the mark and Evan lost.
Daniel Balch (12) was supposed to be in the kids -45kg semi-contact category but due to the lack of fighters at that weight Daniel had the option of taking home a gold medal without a fight or stepping up to the kids -50kg semi-contact. Daniel chose to earn his medal as he said it doesn’t mean much to be a British Champion if you are the only one in the category! Daniel fought hard and found himself in the final of the
-50kg semi-contact section. It was a close fight point for point right until the buzzer! Daniel was quick off the mark and kept the pressure on with fast reverse punches and blitz techniques. As the buzzer went Daniels opponent scored leaving Daniel to take the silver medal. The score was 5-4 to his opponent.
Daniel also fought in the kids -45kg light continuous category. This was tough with some very experienced fighters. It was soon the semi-final and Daniel put pressure on his opponent right from the start. He used good, strong, clean techniques and it was too much for his opponent who tired easily. At the end of the round it was a unanimous decision from the judges and Daniel was in the final.
The final started and again Daniel took control of the fight from the start. He would get close to his opponent with a front kick and then follow with a strong jab cross. Daniel managed to either side step or block many of the punches and kicks which came towards him. Time was called. Had Daniel done enough to be crowned British Champion 2011 or was he going home with another silver medal? It seemed an eternity before the centre ref asked for the judges’ decisions. Again it was a unanimous decision and Daniel was awarded his gold medal and crowned WKC British Champion 2011.
