Jessica Collier - WAKO British Championships
This year will be very tough for me, for two reasons. Firstly, having turned 16 I now fight in the adults categories and secondly, I have my GCSE exams to contend with.
In the WAKO international tournaments, I fight in the 16-18yr light continuous categories where as in UK tournaments, at 16 you move into senior adult categories.
Attracting martial artists from all over Great Britain those who are successful enough to land a top 3 place qualify for the Great Britain team. Two of which have the opportunity to represent there country in the adult categories WAKO European Championships or for those 10yrs to 18yrs the WAKO World Championships in Naples. (The International Olympic Committee will be attending this tournament)
The British Championships was my first major tournament where I would be fighting older and more experienced martial artists. In being WAKO European Champion falls into insignificance at this tournament.
Well to the tournament. Unfortunately, my 1st round opponent happened to be a member of the adult GB squad which proved to be a difficult fight. I unfortunately lost by 2points. But on a positive note it was good experience. Next time I meet her, I will hope I have the measure of her.
Although I lost, I will still be representing Great Britain in the WAKO Junior and Cadet World Championships in September in Naples. This is due to the fact that I am current European Champion in my weight category and automatically qualify for a team place.
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