South Tyneside and Sunderland karate students excel on the European stage
Karate students from South Tyneside and Sunderland are celebrating success in a European tournament.
South Tyneside and Sunderland-based karate student have exceled on the European stage once again.
Twenty-seven students from the Dokan Karate Association travelled to Sheffield for the five-day WUKF (World Union of Karate-Do Federations) European Championships.
The tournament saw 1,368 competitors from 46 federations and 21 countries take part.
Dokan’s 27 North East students managed to secure three gold, five silver and 11 bronze medals.
Securing the gold medals for Dokan were Riley Rogerson, 13, Joseph Woodward, 12, and Joshua Parkin, 11, in the Team Kata, with Charley Foster, 12, for individual fighting.
Joshua also secured gold for Sai (short swords).
Kevan Mitchinson, the Dokan’s chief instructor, has praised every student who competed in the tournament given the high skill level required to take part.
He said: “It was pure quality from these four dedicated local black belts, who all train at Dokan headquarters in Redhouse Sunderland as part of the squad.
“Congratulations to all the squad that attended.
“To simply reach a level good enough to compete in these type of arenas is worthy of the highest praise, even if you never won a medal.”
The Dokan Karate Association runs beginner classes in Seaburn and it is now recruiting children from the age of five and above.
Anyone who is interested can call Kevan on: 07939130411 or email: [email protected].
Alternatively, you can reach out to the Dokan Karate Association on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/dokankarateclub.