BARRY’S Spencer Bennett has won the Western European Full Contact Title after competing in the Western European Kyokushinkai Full Contact Championships in London.

On Saturday, July 23, Rising Sun Karate Club member Spencer along with his coach and brother Lee, travelled to the 02 Arena to compete against some of the top fighters from Western Europe.

Before Spencer could compete he had to overcome missing his scheduled weight of 70kg. After an hour of high intensity training Spencer made weight ready for the next day of competition.

First up on the day, Spencer and Lee’s game plan was to start with a high pace to disrupt his opponent’s confidence.

Talking about the game plan, Spencer said: “I normally start a fight slow, trying not to make any mistakes, so my opponent cannot capitalise on them, this approach was a new one to me at this level”.

With the game plan in mind, Spencer started the quickest and hit his opponent with a barrage of kicks and punches. His opponent couldn’t keep up with the pace and Spencer advanced to his next fight.

Without much time to recover, Spencer was back competing in his next fight and started with a well worked head kick. His opponent was slowed and within three minutes, Spencer was named the winner.

The final fight was cancelled after Spencer’s opponent withdrew with an injury, which meant he was awarded first place and crowned champion at the event.

Coach Lee said: “Spencer has improved a lot with his strength, most fighters struggle to cope with his punching power. I knew if I made him come out fast he would gain the victory more convincingly than he normally does”.

This weekend, members of the Rising Sun Karate Club will travel to Sweden to train under Shihan Robert Wicklund and Shihan Judd Reed.

The camp is going to involve training six hours per day over the weekend, with a competition on the last day, billed as Wales versus Sweden.

The club also celebrated achieving first and second place in the Welsh Junior Club Championships.

A new recruitment drive takes place on Monday, September 5, at the Barry Island Community Centre. All ages are welcome to join.

Please contact Spencer Bennett 07482 236587 for further information.