The IKKU senior squad have had a busy start to the year. Three members attended the World Karate Federation (WKF) Paris Open in January - Rachel Early, Ronan Flynn and new squad member Aaron Mc Loughlin. This was the first of ten Karate 1 Premier League events held annually by the WKF. It was run over three days with over 800 competitors participating.

IKKU Coach Paul Brennan was pleased with all three squad members performances. Aaron made it to the second round. He beat his Hungarian opponent 3-0 but unfortunately lost his second fight by a single score to France. Rachel Earley lost narrowly in the first round, while Ronan Flynn lost to the eventual category winner, George Tzanos in the second round.

Later in the month two of our female athletes attended the Wasquehal Open in Lille. Justyne Collins had a tough bout against European Silver medallist Natalie Williams. Despite a brave performance Justyne exited in the first round.

Rachel Early got a bye to round two where she faced the impressive Taipei opponent. Rachel conceded a score with one minute to go. Despite dominating the remainder of the bout she was unable to get the score back.

The next event on the squads calendar is the Dutch Open in Almere in early March where five squad members will compete.