Youngsters from Hurricane Shotokan Karate Club in Broadstairs have brought home 20 medals after competing at the Karate Grand Prix in Slough.
More than 160 competitors from six clubs took part in the event which was organised in line with World Karate do Alliance rules and hosted by Eagle Institute.
Club Sensei Tomasz Stellmach (pictured above) said: “I would like to say a big thank you to all my students. It was difficult tournament and some of the other competitors were previous European and World Karate Championship medallists.
“For most of our club children it was the first tournament. All sports suffered a lot during the difficult covid time and many clubs were closed for many months. We needed to rebuild nearly everything after covid. I hope we are on the good way to improve and do even better next time.”
Hurricane Shotokan Karate Club has been running classes since 2018. During covid the club provided lessons online and the Grand Prix was the first tournament youngsters have taken part in since the pandemic.
The club, which has 60 members across its London and St George’s School sites, caters for members aged 4 and over with teaching specialised for each age group. The youngest students, aged 4 to 7, learn about karate by playing specifically designed games.
Tomasz, who is a 2nd DAN Shotokan karate black belt, added: “Karate is amazing sport and it’s helping many children to be more confident.
“We have more plans for the future and we are thinking about the European Karate championships in Belgium this year.”
Medal winners
KATA/KIHON
Freya Jannepalli
Anna Uchnast
Finn O’Connor
Inga Piotrowska
Evan Huelin
Maja Kostic
KUMITE
Maja Kostic
Evan Huelin
Hamza Khan
Anna Uchnast
Mallena Davydova
Filip Kostic (brown & black belts category)
Francesca Stellmach (brown & black belts category)
Finley Bush
Freya Jannepalli
JUKERAN
Finn O’Connor
Anna Uchnast
Felix Szabados
Evan Huelin
Eren Morgan
Karate and Martial Arts benefits:
- Teaches self-defence.
- Builds confidence.
- Hones leadership skills.
- Develops character.
- Encourages self-discipline.
- Promotes healthy body and weight.
- Offers multiple choices.
