On the 12 May 2022, Ichiban attended the first Leeds Sports Awards held in person for two years! The event was attended by some of Leeds and Yorkshire’s most decorated sportspeople, from gold winning Olympians, World Champion Boxer Josh Warrington and Leeds sporting legend Rob Burrows.
Bob and Caroline, Mick and Clair Grundy, Mark Abbot, Bill Root and Kieron and Kylie Greeff represented Ichiban at the special evening.
Ichiban was nominated for two awards Club / Team Participation of the Year and Outstanding Service to Sport (Bill Root).
The nomination for club participation of the year mentioned the progress and inclusivity of all Ichiban martial arts, but specifically the achievements and progress that the karate club has made in the last few years. With a young and relatively small competitive squad the club has been performing well at major competitions around the country and 9 of the team have been selected to represent England at the 2022 WUKF World Championships in Florida in July!
Up against some very worth competition for the award, Northern Titans Mens Netball Club and Rothwell Harriers, Ichiban was honoured to be awarded the 2022 Club Participation Team of the Year Award!
Sensei Bill Root (93) was also nominated for the Outstanding Service to Sport Award. At 93 Bill still teaches judo each week at Ichiban. He was recently awarded the rank of 7th Dan, making him one of the most senior judoka in the country. His enthusiasm and passion for the martial art is infectious and we’re privileged to have him as part of the Ichiban team.
Bill was awarded the Outstanding Service to Sport Award and received the award with grace and true to form delivered a humorous and humbling acceptance speech, inspiring all to continue their sports as long as their bodies will allow them to!
Following what was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening, Ichiban would like to thank those that submitted nominations and all our members, parents and supporters for making Ichiban Dojo one of the best places to learn and take part in martial arts certainly in Leeds, and if not the country!