British Karate Federation News
World Technical Commission Secretary, Mike Billman, steps down
It has been announced that the Secretary of the World Karate Federation Technical Commission, Mike Billman, 9th Dan, has given notice that he is having to resign his position for personal reasons.
Mike has been on the WKF Technical Commission for many years now and was also the chairman of the European Technical Commission at the same time. Mike retired from the Euro TC in May, again for personal reasons, and now feels that he has to follow suit with his current position.
European Technical Commission Chairman, Mike Billman, steps down
During the Congress meeting at the 2023 European Championships in
Guadalajara, President Espinos gave a speech to the audience which ended
with him announcing that the Chairman of the European Technical Commission,
Mike Billman, had recently given notice that he was having to resign his
position for personal reasons.
The President gave praise to Mike for
the work he had done in the commission for the benefit of European karate.
RIP - HM Queen Elizabeth II
It is with
great sadness that the British Karate Federation has learnt of the passing
of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The board of the British Karate Federation and the President send their sincere condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time.
RIP - Mervyn Etienne
The world of karate
recently lost one of its great fighters, Mervyn Etienne.
Mervyn was an individual European kumite champion and team kumite World
champion in the 1980s and 90s. One of the greatest fighters of his time and
an inspiration to many karate ka. The BKF sends its condolences to his
family and friends.
RIP
In Memorial
The BKF mourns the passing of Mr. Con Kassis who was the
chairman of the WKF technical commission and a member of the WKF Sports,
Rules & Ranking Commissions and had also acted as a member of the WKF
Referee commission.
RIP
Billy Brennan - Tokyo 2020 Commentary
The British
Karate Federation would like to forward recognition to Billy Brennan's
efforts for providing live commentary on both the Olympics and Paralympics
in Tokyo 2020.
To those in the Olympic audience who knew nothing
about Karate he forwarded clear and understandable explanations and
examples.
Billy also commentated on other sports including Football,
Badmington and Judo.
Well done Billy - keep up the good work.
Passing away of Bobby Morton
The British Karate Federation has today learned of the sad passing of Bobby
Morton and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this
difficult time.
Bobby was a great ambassador for our sport, not only
in Scotland, but throughout the UK and beyond. Bobby was of huge support to
the BKF, leading our events team by organising and successfully delivering
the British 4 Nations Championships and the British International Open
events for several years.
Bobby always made time to speak to
everyone, made them feel welcome and knew how to have some laughs along the
way. He had a larger-than-life personality, who made many friends throughout
his years in karate, he will be deeply missed by all.
Best Regards
Roger Williams
BKF President
Karate Debut Olympics Tokyo 2020
There’s been a massive interest in karate since its debut in the Tokyo
Olympics with BKF President, Roger Williams, speaking to numerous radio stations in the build up...
Formal Recognition for the BKF by the National Olympic Committee
The British
Karate Federation has achieved formal recognition from the National Olympic
Committee, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and takes its seat at
the next National Olympic Committee meeting. It is a huge honour for the BKF
and a step forward for Karate in Great Britain.
A BKF Thank You to Blitz
The
British Karate Federation would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Blitz for
its sterling support of our recent International Open Championships (held in
Motherwell) as well as our forthcoming BKF Four Nations scheduled for May
2020 in Peterlee. Notably, Blitz has kindly gifted eight sets of Tatami mats
to the BKF.
Blitz have also clothed a select team of BKF athletes and
coaches - each has an excellent Gi, track suit and a full set of Kumite
pads.
Hence, Blitz has helped the BKF to host excellent Championships
and facilitated our athletes and their supporting team to attend
international tournaments.
New Independent Directors appointed to the BKF Board
The
BKF President and Board would like to welcome the new independent directors
to the BKF, Marina Hallworth, Andrew Price and Ben McLean.
The new directors bring a wealth of experience to the Board and the BKF looks forward to working with the new directors...
British Karate Federation seeks to appoint coaches for the Olympic Qualification process
With the Olympic Games less
than one year away the BKF have commenced a
process to identify and recruit coaches to support the Olympic qualification
process for Great Britain athletes...