Local fighters’ grading delight

MEMBERS of the West Lancs Karate Academy in Southport recently travelled to the Sport England Centre of Excellence at Lilleshall in Newport for a special residential course.

Training was provided by some of the most renowned instructors in the UK and Europe, including KSKA Head Instructor, Sensei Dirk Heene (8th Dan) from Belgium.

Edward James and Joy Patel (below) passed their first dan black belt grades, which was a great achievement for both and complimented by Sam Sereno who passed his final kyu grade.

They both worked hard for their black belt, presenting an excellent standard on the day.

The achievement was especially pleasing for Joy who at 58 is the oldest Karateka from Southport to ever achieve the grade and brings together over four years of hard training.

Throughout the course many of the club members were complimented on the quality of their karate by the Instructors, to the extent that one member was invited to train on the KSKA Instructors Development Programme in Germany.

This is indicative of the standard and quality striven for at the West Lancs Karate Academy, who have produced over 50 black belts and numerous champions over the years, as well as developing a dedicated kids academy.

With Karate being introduced at the 2020 Olympics the club is now rebuilding its tournament squad to move forward and develop further this element of the training.

Shotokan Karate has proved enduringly popular as a training system for discipline, focus, fitness and self defence, with the club having members of all ages.

More information regarding Karate or the West Lancs Karate Academy can be obtained on the club Facebook page or the website at www.westlancskarate.org.uk