VALE Karate, now based at Barry Leisure Centre has run a special needs class for more than ten years, with many students with a range of challenges having enjoyed the benefits of karate training.

It is a decade since chief instructor Rob Copeland won the Sport Wales Coach of the Year, Coach to Disabled Sportspeople award.

His work providing and promoting opportunities for young people with Special Needs has continued.

Every Tuesday Vale Karate has a class for young people with special needs.

Bradley James and Lucas Widdrington both started their karate in Vale’s special needs class, but now train regularly in Vale’s mainstream classes and last week were members of the Karate Wales Squad which entered 'The WUKF World Championships for all ages’ which took place at the Ice Arena in Dundee from 14th -17th June when more than 2300 athletes from almost fifty countries from around the world took part.

The Karate Wales Squad had 37 athletes competing, ten of the squad, including Bradley and Lucas, from Vale Karate.

Bradley entered in the ‘Learning Disabilities’ Under 15 category and Lucas was in the same grouping, for over 15 years.

On the Sunday of the finals, the competition was suspended in order that the crowd of 3000 or more could enjoy the ‘Adapted’ Kata events.

The athletes were rewarded with roars of approval for every complex movement from the crowd who were mesmerised and inspired by the exploits of the special athletes!

When the dust had settled, and the results announced, the Welsh supporters applauded loudly as Lucas earned a bronze medal and Bradley was announced as WUKF world champion!

Closer to homes, there are great opportunities within Wales.

The Karate Wales Open which takes place in Merthyr in July and the series of competitions run throughout the year, The Welsh Karate League, both have ‘Special & Para Kata categories.

For information on Vale Karate’s Special Needs classes or the full range of classes for everyone call Rob on 07986 872953