British Open title goes to Barry boy (From Barry And District News)

British Open title goes to Barry boy

AN 11-year-old from Barry last week became British International Open champion. Nick Hooper began training with Vale Karate, based at Barry Leisure Centre, at the age of five.

At six he surprised everyone concerned by winning the official Under-12 Welsh Karate title in the kata discipline.

Since then he has gone on to win a further five Welsh titles recognised by the Welsh Karate Governing Body and therefore the Sports Council.

As well as these six titles Nick has won a further 20 Open titles from all over the UK and international titles in Denmark and Germany in the Under-12 and even the Under-16 age group.

At the end of January he travelled with the Vale Karate Junior 'A' squad to the British International Open Championships held at Crystal Palace.

This was his first appearance at an official British Championships and as he will be competing in the Under-16 events next year, this was an excellent opportunity for a British title.

The competition was incredibly stiff with the best from all over Britain taking part. As this was the British International Open (The British Closed takes place at Sheffield in June) there were entrants from all over Europe.

In particular there were strong groups present from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, The Netherlands and Turkey.

Nick was on top form and won through five rounds with scores of 3-0, 3-0, 3-0, 2-1, landing the British International Open title with a 3-0 win in the final.

Team mate Scott Paramore was a member of last year's extremely successful Under-12 Vale boys' team which won six Open titles around Britain.

At Crystal Palace he showed that as well as a team player he has the individual talent to win titles at the major events and reached the final of the Under 12 Boys Kumite event.

At the time-up bell the scores were level. Another minute of "sudden death" action followed and unfortunately for Scott and his vociferous supporters his opponent was successful to leave Scott with a well deserved silver meal.

Nick, Scott and the Vale Karate squad train at Barry Leisure Centre under Chief Instructor Rob Copeland and Senior Coach Bo Channon. For further information contact Secretary Cathy Copeland, tel 419701,

e-mail: vale@valekarate.com, or visit the Vale Karate website: www.valekarate.com.