There were more than 500 entries in the 17th Ulster Karate-do Federation Invitational Tournament which was held in Burnfoot last weekend.
A total of 17 clubs from Ireland, Scotland and England battled it out for medals at the longstanding WUKF/UKF event founded by the UKF under Shihan Columba McLaughlin (7th Dan).
Saturday’s event in the Aileach Youth and Community Centre was once again held under the banner of the World Union of Karate Federations (WUKF).
UKF President Martin McCole said the federation was proud to be the first in the country to bring the WUKF to Ireland in 2008.
“This is the longest standing karate tournament in Donegal, and indeed the North West of Ireland, and it’s a privilege to host such a high standard of competitors every year. We’ve hosted world champions and world-level competitors over the years and the standard at this year’s championship was right up there.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the event and those who helped out in any way to make it such a tremendous success.”
UKF President Martin McCole, WUKF Referees Vivianne Trorey and Mandy McNulty, and UKF Chairman, Shihan Columba McLaughlin pictured following a special presentation to the WUKF referees.
The competition had the added prestige once again of being presided over by WUKF Referee Commission member and WUKF Inclusive Commission President Mandy McNulty, from Killygordan, as Chief Referee. She was accompanied by fellow member of the WUKF Inclusive Commission and Chief Referee Vivianne Trorey from England.
Martin McCole added: “The UKF is proud to be the first federation to take WUKF to Ireland. These last few years it has been a pleasure to have Mandy McNulty as Chief Referee. We were in very safe hands with Mandy, who is WUKF President of Inclusive Commission and the world body’s only female Referee Commission member.”
Mandy McNulty said: “Ireland is a small country in comparison to the many others in the WUKF family but competitions like this, the 17th UKF Invitational Championship, showcase our island’s strong pedigree in karate and the highest standards of event organisation.
“The WUKF Ireland officials worked alongside invited guests to bring home an exciting and successful championship,” she added.
She said that the “500 entries, 20 referees, and 45 coaches created an intense atmosphere which elevated the competitors’ enthusiasm”, making for a thrilling competition.
Challengers took part in displays of Kata (form), Kumite (fighting), and Kobudo (weapons displays). The event has included an Inclusive section for the last five years, which provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to demonstrate their skills on the tatamis (mats).
Ms McNulty, President of the WUKF Inclusive Commission, said the inclusive section was “an emotional and sensory experience”.
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