Karate kids rack up 170 medals in two competitions
Youngsters at a karate club in Sunderland have kicked off the season with two impressive medal hauls in the run up to a world championship bid later this month.
The Dokan Club started the year with a trip to the the English Karate Academy EKA open tournament in Leigh, Cheshire for a 34-strong squad – and saw them return with 28 gold medals, 22 silver and 21 bronze.
That was enough to put them well clear at the top of the medal table.
Two weeks later a second squad competed in the UAK Grassroots competition in Staffordshire – racking up 34 gold medals, 39 silver and 27 bronze.
The club’s chief instructor, Kevan Mitchinson, said: "The competitions were both phenomenally successful days for our youngsters stormed the day.
"It was also a fabulous experience for the youngsters as they all got together and supported each other throughout the course of both days.”
He added: “It was a great experience for them, especially with the WKA World Championships coming up in Malta later this month.
“The camaraderie and friendships within the club has never been stronger and I think we have something special here with super buoyant lessons and a fabulous atmosphere.”
The squad are now gearing up for a trip to Malta for two tournaments in a matter of days – The Malta Open event takes place on March 26 and 27 with the World Championships on the March 27, 28 and 29.
Mr Mitchinson added: “The trip will mean two tournaments in one week in Malta and we have over 30 students going to compete.
"We have a very young squad but also a very strong one.”
Dokan teaches Shotokan karate – considered a traditional and influential form of the sport – at a range of venues in South Tyneside and Sunderland.
As well as the competition squad the Dokan club holds a series of classes for all age groups – and specific beginner’s classes – seven days a week.
For more information on taking up karate call 07939 130411; Facebook DKA Dokan; Email [email protected] of go to www.dokan.co.uk.