MEDAL HAUL
Focus now on world championship
Members of a Rutherglen karate academy were making their mark recently – after winning a clutch of medals at the UK championships.
A 13-strong team from the Kihonkai Karate Academy represented KWF Scotland’s Junior National Team at the KWF UK Championships in Blackburn last week, with six of the team training at the group’s Stonelaw High classes.
And the club’s coach Stevie Mason was thrilled at how well the youngsters performed on the big stage, after they picked up a tremendous 34 medals.
He said: “That’s the second year in a row that we have done so well at the UK Championships and we were all proud of them.
“Next year are the world championships in Tokyo, and we are hoping that we can keep this current group together for that, because they are a fantastic bunch.
“They’re a close group and have built up a good team spirit, where everyone is encouraging each other on.
“Even though some of them practice at different classes, when they get together they all work well and are helping each other.”
Stevie was proud of all his young charges, but admitted that there was a couple of performances he was keen to spotlight.
He added: “Zhara Wells hadn’t medalled before, but this time she took two golds, which was great to see.
“Charlie Mason retained his gold in the kata category, which was another fantastic result.”
The group are now hoping to gain sponsorship for their Tokyo trip, although they will also have the next UK Championships taking place in the spring.
The Rutherglen based youngsters who won medals were:
Caitlyn Tops, 12 Kata & Kumite - gold
Charlie Mason 11, Kata - one gold and one bronze
Erin Mitchell 13,Team Kata - one gold, one silver and one bronze
Jessica Gailey 14, Kata, Kumite & Team Kata - one gold
Zhara Wells 13, Kata, Kumite two golds
Corey Stevenson, Kata , Kumite & Team Kata one gold and one silver