Great Britain Team
Podgorica, Montenegro
Saturday 6th March 2010.

Participating Teams
Kata
Austria V Montenegro
Kumite
Montenegro – Serbia – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Hungary – France – Great Britain.

For the first time since 1996, a Great Britain Team has participated in an International Event. Whilst this was a friendly outing, to celebrate the 40th year of Rajko Vujosevic’ Karate Club in Podgorica, Montenegro, it was indeed a momentous occasion.

The BKF Vice President, Mike Billman (England) headed the party, along with special guest Ticky Donovan OBE (England), Referee Chico Mbakwe (Wales) and Coach Gerry Fleming (Scotland). Paul Scott (Wales) unofficially assisted Gerry Fleming, with the Squad, including record keeping, DVD and camera work.

The selected Male Team consisted of Callum Robb, Craig Moffatt & Steven Murray (Scotland), Davin Pack & Lee Heath (England), James Brunton (Northern Ireland) and Robbie Scott (Wales). The selected Female Team consisted of Natalie Williams & Katie Hurry (England) and Chloe McClean (Scotland).

Whilst the prolonged journey of around 17 hours must have affected the athletes adversely, all competed with vigour. Both Male & Female Teams ended up on the podium with Bronze Medals, which made a great end to an extremely chest swelling occasion.

Hopefully this could be the start to some greater activity as a Great Britain Team, rather than being assigned to the archives as a one-off event.

The whole Squad gelled in a very short space of time. Given a bit more acclimatisation, I'm sure the result could have been even better.

All over in a flash, but what memories for these athletes! As members of the Great Britain Karate Squad, they'll have gained another credible notch on their belts.

Well done to everyone who participated, you all did a fabulous job! We look foward to another event, no too far in the future.

Congratulations to all those behind the scenes, who played their part.

http://www.britishkaratefederation.co.uk/news/22/23/Montenegro-International-2010-report/