Karate club are on top of the world
A booming karate club have kept it in the family as they strike out for success.
Lauren McPike, 22, has followed in the footsteps of dad Robert, a Shihan and 6th dan karate champion who has now retired.
And the sports coaching student has helped the Bujinkai Karate Club to world titles.
Lauren, of Ayr, admitted: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would go so far in such short a time.
“My dad is now 75 and the club was at a crossroads when I took over two years ago.
“We only started competing in November and since then our record has been phenomenal. Kids arrive here feeling shy but they end up with so much confidence.”
The 40- member club are just back from the world championships in Dublin where they won three medals.
Kyle McAlees became a world champion in the male cadet fighting team and also struck a team bronze.
And there was bronze for Surraya Healey in the female kumite for veterans.
Lauren added: “We expected to be on a learning curve when we headed to Dublin. To come back with medals is surreal.
“But it is all down to the members who work so hard and train four or five times a week.”
The Dublin success followed the SKA championship in Dundee where Bujinkai walked away with 11 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals. Lauren became Scottish champion in the senior kata, while Rachel Mitchell did likewise in the cadet kata.
Grace McAlees and Sarah Brand fought each other twice in two finals, with both winning one apiece.
The youngest competitors were five-year-old Rachael Noy who won three bronze and six- year- old Jamie Hendry who clinched double gold.
Earlier, the club won 10 medals in an international competition at the Citadel, where Surraya led the way with a title winning performance.
The club isn’t just for people who want to compete – it’s for everyone to come and enjoy and get active.
Classes are held at Mossblown, Coylton and Dalmellington.