Students from a Midlands Traditional Karate club have excelled in the recent International World Karate Open. The squad of eleven students from Zen Shin Black Belt Academy specially selected to represent England managed an outstanding 5 Gold and 5 Bronze Medals in both the Kata and Fighting category’s.

This year held in Edinburgh a total of 19 countries with the best martial artists from around the globe took part in the Traditional Karate competition presenting the English Squad with a huge challenge.

In the Kata competitions, Erica Santos 16yrs came third in her category and attained a worthy place in the final. In the next category girls 12 years and under , friends Lauren Garratt 11yrs and Chloe Murphy 12yrs found themselves in fierce competition with each other. Lauren initially managed joint first place then came second in the tiebreak. Chloe despite a great performance was eliminated from the heats after a minor stumble. In an exciting final both Erica and Lauren attained a worthy third place bringing home a bronze medal each.

The boys not to be out done then went up to perform their Katas. Johann Santos aged 10 James Garratt aged 8 Kiah Wilson De Souza aged 10 and Lucas Deakin 9 years all perfomed to the highest standard in a big category for boys 12 years and under. It was a brave attempt by the squads youngest members with Johanne Santos getting through to the final and obtaining a bronze medal.

It was then the fighters turn. Lauren Garratt with one Bronze medal well secured managed another excellent performance and obtained another bronze medal for her fighting category as did Scott Simmons aged 18 with a stirling performance in his first international competition.

The competiton then came to an exciting climax with the finals of the fighting. Squad members Naren Patel 18yrs, Leslie Lachman 16yrs Mark Laing 10 yrs and Chloe Murphy and Johann Santos who were both up for a second event all gave fantastic performances and attained an outstanding five gold medals between them each one claiming the impressive title of world champion.

Traditional Karate president and Zen-Shin black belt academys chief instructor Sensei John Richards stated “ I am very proud of all the squad , they have all worked hard and achieved a really high standard “

If anyone is interested in Traditional Karate or Zen-shin Belt academy please contact Sensei John Richards on 0121 233 2577 or Zen-shin.co.uk

By J Gerratta