Friday 29 July saw almost a hundred participants join us at Kent Sport for the third annual Ultimate Karate Fighter\u2019s Boot Camp. Participants came from across Europe and further afield to benefit from three days of intense kumite training with\u00a0Kent alumni Wayne Otto OBE, nine times World champion and nine times European champion, and his team of expert instructors.<\/p>\n
Wayne Otto commented, \u2018As always it was terrific to be at the University of Kent\u2019s beautiful campus with its excellent sports and recreation facilities. It was satisfying to have such enthusiasm and dedication from the Boot Camp participants, who really thrived at this event. I hope that the valuable lessons and techniques the participants experienced serve them well in the future.\u2019<\/p>\n
The participants, who were required to have represented their countries at national level, had a busy three days with training sessions starting early and covering a wide range of fighting techniques, fitness exercises and practice sessions. In total they fought their way through fifteen\u00a0tough sessions, including a Randori fight session at the end of each day. Wayne Otto, Elisa Au Fonseca and Alex Biamonti focussed on the practical elements in their session while Raik Tietze, Greg Francis and Albert Foresythe taught fitness exercises.<\/p>\n
Between training they were able to relax and enjoy meals at the Pavilion Caf\u00e9 Bar and enjoyed the convenience of on-campus accommodation, along with access to\u00a0the fitness suite at the Sports Centre.<\/p>\n
Graham Holmes, Director of Sport at Kent, said, \u2018We were pleased to welcome so many advanced karate athletes coming from afar and their participation in this event is testament to the great sport facilities and other amenities at the University of Kent. Kent Sport provides opportunities and support to everyone from elite athletes to those interested in recreational sport, ensuring that\u00a0we see more people, more active, more often on campus.\u2019<\/p>\n
Rebecca Burnett, University of Kent sports scholar and Boot Camp participant was excited to enjoy the three days of training, explaining, \u2018This is the third time I have been to the Boot Camp, it is such a good opportunity for me to push myself further, enhance my technique and focus on my goals. Wayne Otto and the other instructors are an inspiration and to receive training and advice based on their experience and successes was really amazing. It was very hard work but I learnt so much and made some good friends in the process.\u2019<\/p>\n
For more photos of the event you visit Kent Sport on Facebook<\/a>. To stay up to date on Kent Sport news follow UniKentSports on social media and visit kent.ac.uk\/sports.<\/p>\n\n\t\t