Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Karate kids on form in maiden trip abroad

- PAUL THOMSON

A young duo from Airdrie’s Lanarkshir­e Karate Academy were in fine form as they claimed two medals apiece during their first-ever event abroad.

Nine-year-olds Emmie Mcewan and Sebastian Magilton travelled to Berlin for the Banzai Cup and Emmie returned home from Germany with a silver and bronze medal, while Sebastian bagged two bronze awards.

The pair were part of a four-strong team that took part alongside eightyear-old Jayden Warwick and 14-yearold Leah Colquhoun, who just missed out on adding to the club’s fantastic medal haul.

They only entered the competitio­n last month when Covid restrictio­ns eased enough to allow them to make the trip to Europe, and it was well worth the effort in the club’s first competitio­n since the pandemic hit in March 2020.

Club coach Chantelle Allan said: “We only booked it three weeks ago, so it was a bit of a last minute thing just to try and get them competing.

“It was great to get a wee squad away. “That’s the first time they’ve ever been abroad for a competitio­n as well.

”There was 20 different nations and over 1000 competitor­s there, so for them to place is a big achievemen­t.

“That’s the first one we’ve done in 18 months since we had to stop for Covid.

“We’ve got a group of 10 students going to Belgium in a few weeks time, so that’s us back to competitio­ns again and everyone is really excited about it.”

Emmie claimed silver in the under 10 girls kata and bronze in the under 10 girls kumite. Sebastian took bronze in the same events in the boys under 10 category.

Chantelle added: “They’ve both done great in their first internatio­nal event, especially in the kumite/ fighting event with Emmie winning five fights and Sebastian winning four.”

The club currently have 10 members competing, but are always on the lookout for new members.

Lanarkshir­e Karate Club welcome new students from the ages of four years old and above.

The club is based in Alexander Street in Airdrie, ML6 0BA, and have classes six days a week.

Chantelle added: “We have a special offer at the moment, where the first month is free and anyone who joins gets a free karate suit.”

For more informatio­n contact Chantelle by email via lanarkshir­ekarate academy@gmail. com or call/text 0771865127­1.

 ??  ?? Great effort From left: Leah Colquhoun, Sebastian Magilton, Jayden Warwick, Emmie Mcewan and coach Chantelle Allan
Great effort From left: Leah Colquhoun, Sebastian Magilton, Jayden Warwick, Emmie Mcewan and coach Chantelle Allan
 ??  ?? Medallists Sebastian and Emmie
Medallists Sebastian and Emmie

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