Karate kids bring back gold and silver from international competition

Karate kids from South Tyneside have been hitting the opposition for six on the international stage.

Seven students from the Dokan Club – based in Boldon, Whitburn and Sunderland – travelled to Switzerland for the Basel Masters international – winning three gold and seven silver medals.

Chief instructor Kevan Mitchinson said he was delighted with the results.

Eleisha Mitchinson and Eve Palmer both struck gold.Eleisha Mitchinson and Eve Palmer both struck gold.
Eleisha Mitchinson and Eve Palmer both struck gold.
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He said: “In a tournament of this calibre it’s a fantastic result. There were over 20 nations represented and the standard was very high.

“This was a top ranking tournament.”

The club’s gold medallists were Anais Errington, in the 10 to 11-year-old age group open and heavyweight division, and Eve Palmer won the 13 to 14 years kata competition.

Emma Snaith took an individual silver and the other six silvers were won by two kata teams –Club made up by the five girls in two separate sections.

Eve Palmer (red belt) in actionEve Palmer (red belt) in action
Eve Palmer (red belt) in action

Mr Mitchinson said: “Both Anais and Eve are at the top of the karate tree on an international scale and, as karate will now be included in the 2020 Olympics, it is not an unrealistic ambition for both girls to be selected and represent their country in the future.

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“That is what they are training for, and for anything up to 15 hours a week.

“The whole squad are reaping the rewards for their hard work in training.”

The Dokan Karate Club now has England’s leading junior competition karate squad and have topped the medal table at most of the eight tournaments they have entered this year.

Anais Errington, Kevan Mitchinsopn and  Emma SnaithAnais Errington, Kevan Mitchinsopn and  Emma Snaith
Anais Errington, Kevan Mitchinsopn and Emma Snaith

They are also members of the WKF world karate federation which is the only federation allowed to enter the Olympics.

Anyone interested in taking up the sport can contact Mr Mitchinson on 07939 130411 or go to www.dokan.co.uk.