Karate kids clean up at comp

The Burnley club, which practises at the BEST Centre on Network 65 Business Park, finished top out of the pile from the eight clubs involved at the Southwest and Wales Karate Competition held in Weston-Super-Mare.

Nine competitors from Springs BEST Karate Club travelled to the seaside town to compete in Individual and Team Kata and Kumite categories.

The children, aged between eight and 12 years, came home with 12 medals between them.

Sensei Warren De Vries was extremely proud of his club’s performance at the competition.

He said: “Everyone has worked very hard in the classes in the run up to this competition.

“We were up against some very tough opponents and I’m delighted that their hard work paid off with so many Gold, Silver and Bronze medals returning to Burnley.”

He continued: “We have come a long way since I started the club three years ago. I teach KWF and BKI BUDO SHOTOKAN karate and enjoy teaching all the skills and techniques required to develop in the sport.

“It’s all about giving the children self-confidence, self-control, building their character and showing that the effort they put in reaps personal rewards.”

Beginner classes are held every Friday at 4-15 p.m. at The BEST Centre and the advanced class train Saturday mornings at 9 a.m.

The club welcomes new members and anyone interested should visit the website at www.thebestcentre.com/karate or contact the club on (01282) 455068.