Congratulations, Helen! How does it feel to come away with your second consecutive European bronze medal?
It is still a bit surreal and not sunk in yet, but the whole experience has been brilliant! Having a second consecutive European bronze medal is highlighting Para Karate which is important to me. I hope it encourages others to get involved so we can continue to grow the team over time!
Was this year’s experience in Yerevan any different to last year’s in Croatia? What felt more challenging or exciting this time around?
Last year in Croatia, it was the first time competing at this level and our expectations was to be learning from the experience whilst gauging if our training was right for the wheelchair category, as there was no reference point in the UK. Sensei John Gardiner and I spent a long time working on what we thought was appropriate for the competition criteria and the competitors were unknown to us. It turned out to be a fantastic experience and bringing home a medal was great for everyone involved as whilst you are a lone competitor on the tatami in kata, you have a whole team of people behind you.
This year it felt like there was more of an expectation due to the results of last year, which was slightly more pressure but, in a way, added to the experience and drove our training and focus. Having more knowledge than last year really fed into the whole experience and I am pleased to say that this had a big impact which was reflected in the scoring being more consistent on my kata’s than in the previous year. The gap between the finalist and myself has also narrowed to 0.7 which was also a big improvement on the previous year!
This year was definitely a different kind of excitement as it was the known v’s the previously unknown of the year before.
What was going through your mind as you stepped onto the tatami for your bronze medal performance?
For me the focus started before the tatami when you are in the warmup area. You are then called to line up in the tunnel with your competitors ready to be brought out and announced into the competition area. At this point I was confirming to myself that I can do this!
Then you enter the stadium and go to the tatami. At this point I could hear the England Squad shouting my name which added to the adrenaline and drive. They were such fantastic support!
Once on the tatami, it was having my Sensei’s voice in my head telling me ‘You have done your training and you are ready to do this, now go do your strongest kata!’
🥋 The Karate Journey
Can you tell us how and when you first got into karate? What drew you to the sport?
My journey in karate began, I believe, around the age of eight. My parents recognised that ballet wasn't for me and Karate might be a better fit. I have no idea why they chose karate, but it was a great decision. I absolutely loved it and could not wait each week to get in the dojo. However, due to health issues I was forced to take a break from karate for a long period which was devastating but then went back to it at a later date as the passion was still there.
What do you enjoy most about competing in kata, especially as part of the Para Karate community?
I love the discipline of kata and that it something that you can never perfect. I enjoy learning about different applications of each technique so that your understanding improves your kata.
Competing in kata provides me with a focus for my training, gives me a goal to work towards, a challenge and is an adrenaline rush. I also enjoy the post competition analysis, examining what needs to change, then implementing the changes which can be exciting and sometimes frustrating! When I am at the Europeans, I do not think about it being para karate, it is simply a karate ka competing in kata!
What’s a typical training week like for you in the lead-up to a big championship?
Together with my Sensei we had mapped out my train for the last year. Nearer to the Europeans this involved having a balance of rounds of kata and lots of rest, which is important for me, so that by the time I am at the competition we are ready to go.
Off the Tatami – Getting to Know Helen
When you're not training or competing, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or hidden talents? Karate takes up a lot of my time outside of work. When I am not training or competing, I love to spend time with my family, who are a fantastic support to me.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young karateka or someone thinking of joining Para Karate, what would it be?
I always say if you want to learn don’t be afraid to ask questions to improve your understanding! For someone thinking of joining para karate, speak to a number of clubs and don’t just settle on one that is the most local! Ask lots of questions to find out if the Sensei has experience in teaching para karate or is willing to learn about para karate and how they would work with you. Getting the right Sensei and the right club is key, so take the time to find out and don’t be afraid to try different clubs to find one that is right for you.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people in the karate world might not know?
I have a Degree in Music and can play the bassoon!
Looking Forward
What’s next for you, Helen? Any goals already forming for the rest of the season or next year’s Europeans?
Having come back from the Europeans we are straight back into training in preparation for our next competition. Since competing in Yerevan, I have had lots of conversations with my Sensei, John Gardiner and the EKF kata and para kata coaches to look at what we need to improve on. The World Karate Championships in Cairo is later this year which is hopefully our next competition. It would be amazing to represent EKF Para Karate at the worlds whilst building on all the work we have put in for the Europeans this year.
And finally – what does it mean to you to wear the England badge and represent your country on the international stage?
It is an honour to be selected to represent England, the EKF and para karate. Representing my country is both a privilege and a motivation to continue my karate journey. However, this is not just about me, as I could not do it without the support of others including my family, Sensei, EKF England coaches and EKF England Squad.
When I compete, it allows me to show others that para karate in England is available. I would love to see the para karate community and EKF Para Karate team grow.
