Karate club proud of two new British titles (From Barry And District News)

Karate club proud of two new British titles

Vale Karate were confident going into the British Youth Championships at Sheffield's Ponds Forge International Arena.

Twelve-year-old Natasha Paton contested the Under 14 event and with a combination of superb technique, speed, spirit and composure, won her second consecutive British title.

Eleven-year-old Rhys Davies, also a Welsh Kumite Champion, was unable to train for almost two weeks prior to the championships due to a football injury, but still became Vale Karate's second 2004 British Champion.

Josh Carmichael went through several rounds against extremely tough opposition before losing his final match and taking silver.

In the Under 12 Kata event, a slight heel injury may have contributed to Nick Hooper's semi-final defeat against England's Alex Gardiner. Nick was joined in the semi finals by club-mate Elliot Evans, both boys eventually earning bronze medals. Leah Copeland took bronze in the U10 Girls event.