WKU Interclub Success – A Big Day for Our Emerging Squad!

On Sunday, our newly emerging competition squad travelled to Swadlincote to take part in the WKU Interclub — an event filled with talent, energy, and some seriously tough rounds across Kata, Kumite, and Points Fighting.

For many of our athletes, it was their first-ever time stepping onto the competition mats, and every single one of them showed the courage, focus, and perseverance that defines the OKC spirit. Competing takes guts — whether it’s your debut or your hundredth match — and we’re incredibly proud of each and every student who represented the club.

Competition Results

Kata

• Gold – Zeej
• Bronze – Ciaran

Kumite

• Silver – Logan
• Bronze – Leo
• Bronze – Ciaran
• Bronze – Zeej
• Bronze – Arnus
• Bronze – Olia

Points Fighting

• Silver – Arnus
• Silver – Logan
• Bronze – Leo
• Bronze – Zeej

A huge thank you to Matthew Hyndman and his team for running a smooth, welcoming event and creating a positive atmosphere for athletes to grow. And of course, massive gratitude to all the parents and supporters who made the journey and cheered from the sidelines — your encouragement means everything.

This event marked a big step forward for our team, and it’s just the beginning. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep putting in the work — the future is bright for Team OKC!

OKC Featured in the 

Peterborough Telegraph

for WKU English Championship Success!

We are proud to announce that Oubaitori Karate Club has been featured in the Peterborough Telegraph, both in print and online, following an incredible performance by our team at the WKU English Championships 2025.

The article, titled “Local karate kids win English titles in style”, celebrates the efforts and success of our young athletes, particularly Leo Johnson and Zachary Giles, who both delivered standout performances at this national-level event held in Worcester.

Read the full article here:

Peterborough Telegraph – Karate kids win English titles

Athlete Highlights

Leo Johnson

• Gold – Kumite, 30–35kg Senior Grades (U12)
• Bronze – Kumite, -30kg Junior Grades (U12)
• Leo’s incredible performance earned him a place on the WKU England Team for the upcoming World Championships in Germany, where he will represent his country alongside his father and coach, Sensei Matt Johnson.

Zachary Giles

• Gold – Kata, Junior Grades
• Silver – Kumite, Junior Grades
• Zachary’s achievement is especially impressive given that he’s only been training for six months. His focus, attitude, and effort were second to none — a rising star at OKC!

Community Recognition

We are thrilled to see our students recognised not just within the dojo, but by our wider community. It’s a wonderful reflection of the passion, dedication, and resilience our club fosters in every student — young and old.

To quote the article:

“Both boys impressed the judges with their skills and composure, reflecting the high standard of training they receive at Oubaitori Karate Club.”

A big thank you to the Peterborough Telegraph for supporting grassroots martial arts and highlighting the success of our students and club. We’re excited for what’s to come — especially Germany 2025!

Article originally published in the Peterborough Telegraph, January 2025. Photo credit: PT / Oubaitori Karate Club.

Results:

Leo

• Gold – Kumite 9–12 Years, 30–35kg, Senior Grades
• Bronze – Kumite 9–12 Years, -30kg, Junior Grades

Zeej

• Gold – Kata 9–12 Years, Junior Grades
• Silver – Kumite 9–12 Years, 40–45kg, Junior Grades
• Runner-Up – Kumite 9–12 Years, Senior Grades

We could not be prouder of how both Leo and Zeej performed. Both boys demonstrated incredible technique, focus, and fighting spirit throughout the day, stepping up against tough competition and showing exactly what OKC is all about.

The dedication, hard work, and relentless training you’ve both put in are clear to see — and these results are richly deserved.

“Place on the Plane” – Germany 2025!

A special shout-out to Leo, whose gold medal performance has officially secured his place on the England Team for the WKU World Championships 2025 in Germany !

Leo will now join his Sensei (and dad), Sensei Matt, to compete together on the world stage later this year. It’s a huge milestone, and the whole OKC family is incredibly proud of you. The road ahead will be tough, but with the backing of your team and the work ethic you’ve shown, we know you’ll make us all proud.

Keep up the hard work, both of you.

The journey to greatness is built on dedication, perseverance, and the love of the art — and you’re both living proof of that.

#TeamOKC

WKU GB Open – First Qualifier for Germany 2025

What a long day — and what a brilliant one too!

The WKU GB Open was an incredible start to the international qualifier series for Germany 2025, and we had an amazing time surrounded by world-class competition and our extended WKU family.

We’re incredibly proud of our mini squad who made the journey and brought back some serious results!

Team OKC Results

Leti

• Gold – Kumite
• Silver – Kumite (second division)
• Runner-Up – Kata

Zeej

• Silver – Kumite
• Runner-Up – Kata

Leo

• Runner-Up – Kumite (Black Belt Category)
• Runner-Up – Kata (Black Belt Category)

To everyone who competed — your hard work, courage, and spirit continue to represent everything we believe in at Oubaitori. Whether it’s your first qualifier or your tenth, standing on that mat takes guts. You did yourselves and your club proud.

Big thanks as always to WKU GB for running such a well-organised event and creating an environment where competitors of all levels can thrive. On to the next one…

The Oubaitori squad once again stepped up at the Peterborough Championship Series on November 10th, and we couldn’t be prouder of our fighters — especially our first-time competitors!

First-Timers: Vakaris & Zeej

A huge congratulations to Vakaris and Zeej, who took to the mats for the very first time in what is one of the biggest and most competitive events in the region. Stepping up to compete at PCS is no small feat, and both of you showed incredible courage and determination!

Vakaris

• Runner-Up – Pee Wees Mixed Open Grade
• Runner-Up – Pee Wees Mixed Beginner

Zeej

• Runner-Up – Points (-4ft 8, 12 years and under)

Returning Warriors

To our returning athletes — we see you. PCS brings together some of the most talented martial artists in the area, and each of you represented OKC with skill, composure, and heart.

Leo

• Bronze – Kata Advanced
• Runner-Up – Light Contact

Shep

• Runner-Up – Points

Leti

• Runner-Up – Kata

You all made us proud, and your results speak volumes about your hard work and competitive mindset.

Thank You, Sensei Hicks

A huge thank you to Sensei Hicks for hosting another incredible Peterborough Championship Series event. These opportunities are invaluable for our athletes and community, and we’re always grateful for the effort that goes into making them such a success.

As you will have noticed, Matt has spent most of this year preparing for the WKU World Championships in Rhodes, Greece, after winning the English title back in 2023.

With huge thanks to the support from Oubaitori Karate Club, and his sponsors (Compare the Market, Airport Arrivals Peterborough, and evaluagent) Matt has come back as the 18-34 year old (-90kg) WKU World Kumite Champion, and the under 85kg World Silver Medalist. Matt also competed in Kata and Hardstyle Forms, where he placed a respectable 7th.