NSKA Athletes Compete at the Central England Open and Thurrock Invitational!

Sunday 6th July was a massive day for Norfolk Sport Karate Academy as our incredible competition athletes took on not one, but two elite level EKF Competitions across the UK!

The Central England Karate Open – Worcester.

The Central England Open is known as one of the toughest events on the English Karate Federation (EKF) calendar. Among other top level competitions, it is a true proving ground for the best Karate Players in the country. NSKA proudly sent a selection of our athletes to compete.

Despite facing fierce competition from elite-level fighters and Kata players, our athletes used their skills and abilities to bring home four bronze medals!Competing at this standard pushes athletes to their limits, and our students showed grit, technique, and resilience throughout every match and bout they performed in. 💪

Thurrock Invitational Karate Tournament.

Meanwhile, another squad represented Norfolk Sport Karate Academy under Links Karate Association at the Thurrock Invitational Karate Tournament. This event brought together clubs from across the region to an elite-level showcase of talent and skill.

Our students earned an impressive 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals aiding in our Association Links Karate Team winning the whole event! Every athlete put their heart into their performances, with precision, focus, and spirit. The coaches are immensely proud of everyone who competed here. 🙌

Both teams smashed it with great attitudes and great results earning a combined NSKA total of:

1x Gold🥇

1x Silver🥈

7x Bronze🥉

Earning these podium finishes is no easy task and each one represents multiple knock out round wins in events consisting of anywhere from a dozen to twenty + very high standard competitors. Coaches Sensei Will & Sensei Rhys are immensely pleased with the dedication from the team and think it's no coincidence their improved training standards since training at NSKA and their much improved attitudes have contributed to their excellent results.

So what's their secret?

If you ask us what's the main thing that sets apart these athletes finding success at high level sport... It's their ❗RESPONSE TO FAILURE!❗

The key factors to pushing yourself to improve:

1) Put yourself in an environment where you can fail!

In order to improve you need a level to rise to, whether it's a workout, a competition, school work... Anything! If you make life too easy then you are limiting your potential to improve. We only put forward students to compete that are ready to take on the challenge but when we do, we send them to the absolute best events so they have a clear understanding of the top level achievable nationally. We believe if someone is winning back to back easily then you're NOT IN THE RIGHT PLACE! and need to aim higher.

2) Viewing failure as a positive NOT a negative.

We all want to win here at NSKA more than most. But we accept that losses will and... Should happen! When we fail we encourage to not think things like:

❌I’m not good enough

❌This is impossible

❌ I didnt do a good job

And instead…

✅Now I know what to improve

✅I know how good I need to be and I'll put the work in to get there

✅Wasn't my day today but I'm gonna keep going until it is

3) Surround yourself with a great team and coaches that want to see you reach your goals just as much as you do!

Sunday was truly a day to remember. One of learning and one to celebrate. Well done to the whole NSKA Team, make sure to keep up your hard work and dedication, as this is only the beginning. The coaches look forward to seeing what more you can achieve in your competitive careers! 🏆📈