SUMMER season has kicked off with a great start for the Barry-based Rising Sun Kyokushin Karate Club.

Brothers Sensei Lee and Sempai Spencer Bennett got back into their stride and competed on the same bill, for the first time since 2010.

The brothers competed in the English Open full contact karate event.

Other club members Paul Stephens and Des Brown were selected to represent Team Wales in a home international against Ireland at the Village hotel.

Lee and Spencer took on the best of the Lightweight -70kg category competitors from across the UK at the English Open Full Contact Kyokushin Karate Championships in London, on Saturday, May 16.

First on the bill was Sensei Lee, Bennett’s eagerly awaited comeback fight on British soil and it went ahead against a strong seasoned English opponent. Lee’s years of combat experience showed throughout the bout showing the crowd some spectacular high kicks almost knocking his opponent out within the first minute. Lee’s first bout went the maximum of three extensions, with Lee showing superior fitness in the final third of the fight gaining a unanimous decision. A well-earned third place was earned by Lee on a very experienced fight card.

Lee was unable to compete in the next round of the tournament due to a pulled calf muscle he sustained during training for the event but was pleased to place third overall after a three year break from competition.

Sempai Spencer Bennett placed second after going up against two very capable opponents, first going up against Cardiff's Lewis Harry over three consecutive rounds and taking a unanimous decision.

The final was set up to fight International and world class opponent Dawid Ozga.

The previous looked like it had took its toll on Wales ranked number one full contact fighter Spencer, yet he only just missed out on the win by split decision over four hard fought rounds – the award for first place slipping through his fingers by a home English decision.

The blow of defeat was softened by the judges awarding Spencer best spirited fighter of the tournament.

Paul Stephens and Des Brown were selected for Wales to compete in the Wales versus Ireland international event at the village hotel in Cardiff on Saturday, June 6.

Both fighters had trained hard for this leading up to the event, to be eligible for selection, the fighters had to attend hard welsh squad sessions.

The sell-out night was packed full of home and travelling fans.

The opening ceremony began with each nation singing there national anthems with pride.

Des Brown was fight number eight of the night.

His task was to fight an experienced Irish Heavy weight fighter. Des began to overpower his opponent in first round, but all judges gave it a draw. The second round the Irish fighter began to take control of the fight with Des slowly falling behind in the fight.

A final 20 second push at the end of the 2nd round gave Des one last chance to swing the fight into his favour. The end result was two flags to Wales (Des) and three to Ireland.

Paul Stephens was the last fight of the night.

Paul came out of the blocks with some punishing liver punches and strong low kicks. The fight was pushed into overtime with Paul winning the bout by a split decision. Overall Team Wales won the event.

Team Wales travel to Ireland to try and retain their title in 2016.

The club will now begin to prepare for up and coming British senior and junior championships and the brothers are looking to begin training to get back onto the international circuit and get a big title before the year is out.

The club is constantly looking for new talent within the community and aim to give students the chance to see the world with the clubs top class international instructors.

The Rising Sun Kyokushin Karate Club train at the Barry Island community centre Mondays and Wednesdays 6pm to 9pm.

Anyone interested in joining the club and would like to take advantage of a first free lesson contact Sensei Lee on 07811 110368.