Almighty medals haul for karate kids (From Gazette Series)

Almighty medals haul for karate kids

A HOST of students from the Wotton-under-Edge EWSKA Karate Club enjoyed tremendous success last week as they dominated the EWSKA Children's Championships in Bromyard, Worcestershire.

The event saw 14 of the Wotton students take an impressive 30 medals in the 24 categories that they entered.

The most impressive performances were in the kata section, where the club took a staggering 17 gold medals in the individual, pair and team events, with a further four silver and four bronze.

The students also took a very respectable haul of two silver and three bronze in the fighting sections.

The students who train at the club travel from as far afield as Weston-super-Mare to attend the classes, which are supervised by chief instructor and England karate star Bert Harris.

Harris told the Gazette: "This competition carried a lot of pressure because we have taken a few students to international events recently, where just being selected is an accolade in itself.

"Last weekend, however, each child was there because they had chosen to stand up there and go up against some very tough competitors. We always expect good results, but we had some children competing for the very first time, and always wonder if this will be the one where nobody brings anything home.

"Our doubts were dispelled when our students took gold in the first three sections and we are delighted to see their dedication and hard work paying off." Following this awesome medal haul, the Wotton students will be looking to build on their performance at the forthcoming EWSKA East Midlands Championships next month.

Harris added: "We would also like to say how grateful we are to the students' parents, without whom none of this success would be possible."

L The Wotton EWSKA Karate Club trains every Wednesday at The British School, Wortley Road, Wotton, from 6pm. New members are always welcome, and there is a free first lesson offer. Call Bert Harris on 07966 525795 for more information.