HISTORY is being made tomorrow, at Les Quennevais School’s Sports Hall, as the Jersey Shotokan Karate Club are set to host Jersey’s first karate competition in over 20 years.
51 entrants, from five different on-island karate clubs (Jersey Kazen Kai Karate, Jersey Shotokan Karate, Jersey Wado Ryu, TSKA Jersey and Tsuyoishima Kai Karate) will compete in two disciplines, kata and kumite. Kata is the performance of structured forms, to demonstrate precision and technique, while kumite is the sparring component of the sport, where strategy and speed come into play.
Shotokan Karate is one of the world’s most widely practiced forms, known for an emphasis on speed, power and technique. Developed by Gichin Funakoshi in the early 20th century, Shotokan karate blends strong, deep stances with fluid movements, creating a disciplined and dynamic style.
Launching the Jersey Shotokan Club in 2022, Ray Dubras and his team have been putting great efforts into rejuvenating local karate, growing to over 40 members already. Loads of work has been done to bring back the sport’s competitive side, with Dubras saying: “This project started in November last year, and we’ve managed to get five of Jersey’s nine karate clubs involved.
“We’ve attended many events across the UK and Ireland, and some have re-qualified as referees, to learn and put on the best competition.
“Competition is a very important aspect of the sport, especially with younger participants, as they seek that competitive side.
“Many enter the sport, but without competition there’s nothing to hook them in, so contests such as this should further engage that interest.”
Jersey Sport have also been an instrumental component, being of great assistance in more ways than one.
Beyond partially funding the event, Jersey Sport have helped draw more teenagers to karate, with their work and initiatives in local schools attracting ten students, mixed between Le Rocquier and Les Quennevais, to take on a 12-week block in preparation to compete at the event.
Karate offers something for all ages, with a philosophy rooted in self-improvement, respect and perseverance.
“Karate is great for longevity, it’s a way to keep active in a safe environment,” added Dubras.
Looking ahead, Dubras holds high hopes for the future, saying: “From this, we’d love to expand and involve other clubs moving forward.
“If we’re able to generate enough interest, we can set up opportunities to attend and compete in regional, national and international competitions, as it’s all accessible through the HDKI (Hombu Dojo Karate International).”
“At some point, we’d be super keen to put together a Jersey team and attend world events, as we’ve experienced success in the past, but for now it’s all about growing and generating interest.”
It’s not just all about competition, as the event provides a great opportunity for Jersey’s karate community to come together, exchange knowledge and celebrate the sport’s spirit.
Whether you’re competing or spectating, Jersey Shotokan Karate’s competition will be an inspiring event, so make sure to come down and witness Jersey’s competitive Karate resurgence.
Competition is set to start tomorrow, for 10:30am, at Les Quennevais School’s Sports Hall.
