Karate kids put on top floor show
STUDENTS from Blyth South Beach Karate Club took part in two competitions, three of them successfully medalling in their categories.
The Liverpool Youth Championships featured clubs from across the UK and Ireland, with three South Beach club members taking part.
Taylor McAlpine was placed third in the girls’ 10-11 Kumite (sparring) in her first outing at the event.
Jay Crosby made his way through several rounds to finish in the quarter finals of the childrens’ eight to 11 years Kata.
It was a category with 85 competitors - including more experienced students of a much higher grade.
Next for South Beach was the Sunderland Karate Championships, attended by clubs from Glasgow down to Leeds.
Eight competitors from the Northumberland club participated in the event, some having competed before and some involved for the first time.
Minujan Balachandran won the 10 and under novice fourth Kyu Kata category while Crosby was second in the under-16 novice fourth Kyu Kata category and third in the boys’ 10 and under Kumite.
James Bowart, Mason Spence, Elliot Harrison and Balachandran also made the semi-finals in some of their categories.
Club instructor Sensei Dylan Gibson, Fourth Dan, said: “It is fantastic to see our students becoming so enthusiastic about entering competitions.
“These events can be fantastic for building confidence and promoting a feeling of bonding as a team among club members.
“Regardless of results we are proud of everyone for stepping on to the mat and giving it their best in some tough categories.”
Blyth South Beach Karate Club trains at the Isabella Community Centre in Blyth on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and at Doxford Place Methodist Church in Cramlington on Tuesday evenings.
Contact Sensei Gemma Gibson on 07587 166 997.