Trio get Shot at GB squads
THREE students from Ashington Shotokan Karate Club have been selected for the Karate Union of Great Britain England squads for 2019.
Gemma Gibson, 19, Dylan Gibson, 21 and Denny Shy, 13, travelled to Liverpool to try out for the squads.
The KUGB runs two different teams, one for kata (set forms) and one for kumite (sparring).
Both selections were busy with members from KUGB clubs all over the country hoping to win favour.
The first day of selections was for the kata squad.
Dylan Gibson was selected for the eighth consecutive year, Shy picked for the first time.
The next day, kumite squad selections took place - Gemma Gibson being selected for a sixth consecutive year.
All three will now regularly travel to Liverpool to train with the squads throughout the year.
They will work alongside many national and international competitors under the instruction of KUGB senior instructors Sensei Andy Sherry (ninth dan) and Sensei Frank Brennan (eighth dan).
Dylan Gibson said: “Nobody’s place on the squad is guaranteed.
“The selections this year were especially strict, with some people who have been on squad for several years being sent away.
“I am very pleased the three of us performed well enough to be accepted on to the squads and look forward to the squad training and competitions this year.”
Senior Ashington club instructor Sensei Jill Kelly said: “I am delightedt we have three members of our club on the KUGB England Squad this year.”
Ashington Shotokan Karate Club trains on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings.
Further information can be found by visiting www.ashingtonshotokankarate.co.uk.
Alternatively, ring Jill Kelly on 07930 324 556.