Two British champions for Ards and Bangor
A PAIR of students from the local Mizukara Karate Clubs were crowned British champions for their performances at the recent GB Open in Birmingham.
Attracting over 700 competitors from around the UK, Ireland and a number of European countries, Bangor’s Helena Stitt won her individual Wado-Ryu kata event and then claimed silver in her individual kumite (sparing) before rounding off with bronze with her colleagues in the Irish team kumite event.
This superb achievement was followed up by Ben Ritchie from Newtownards, who claimed the title in his individual Cadets Wado-Ryu kata. Former world silver medallist Levi Kane added to the medal tally by claiming bronze in her individual kata.
Fellow competitors Megan Benson and Harrison Stitt also produced great performances in both kata and kumite and on this occasion missed out on medals.
Nevertheless, coach David Brashaw was ‘very proud’ of the clubs’ successes.
“Our students, other than Levi, have until now not competed across the water. It is always a bigger challenge in a British Open and to come home with two gold, a silver and a bronze is a tremendous achievement,” he said.
Next up for the Mizukara karate clubs is their annual summer karate camp, which is taking place in Bangor Methodist Church from Monday, July 29 to Wednesday, July 31. The camp is open to beginners.
If you would like to know more about karate, relaxing and health recovery Tai Chi for adults, plyometric fitness and self-defence classes, contact David on 07760 337578 or visit mizukara.co.uk.
- Helena Stitt from Bangor with her British gold, silver and bronze medals.
- Ben Ritchie and Levi Kane with their gold and bronze medals respectively.
- High kicking sparring action from Harrison Stitt.
