Ballymoney man Andrew Mills lands medals at World karate championships

Andrew Mills (20), a Queen’s University Mathematics student, travelled to Munich to compete in the WKC International Open Championships where he obtained a 1st Place in Junior Kata, 1st Place in Junior Kumite (free sparring) and 3rd Place in Senior Kumite.

Andrew, 2nd Dan KUGB, is a student and instructor of the Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club, where he has trained regularly since the age of 13 in Ballymoney. Taught by Chief Instructor Sensei Terry Geddis 5th Dan KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) his love of competition was obvious from the start and Sensei Terry took a personal interest in helping him further develop his skills as a karateka and competitor. He has won various local and Irish competitions as well as being crowned ZSNI Grand Champion and Karate NI Grand Champion in 2013.

Senior Student of the Year 2013, Andrew, also competes for Northern Ireland at World and European Level. In last November’s European Shotokan Karate Championships Andrew was narrowly beat in the quarter finals by a Russian competitor who then went on to win the championships.

Sensei Terry Geddis 5th Dan explained: “Andrew is the type of student you only find once in a while, dedicated in many other ways than competition he upholds the true value of Shotokan Karate and his future is bright within the art. He is also training for his 3rd Dan when he turns 21, another major achievement for someone so young.”

Andrew, who trains three times a week with his teammates, said: “I am very grateful to have a full support system behind me whilst I train and compete and I would like to thank Sensei Terry for his time and effort that he puts into myself and my team mates, also to my team mates who work with me in developing my karate every week, the club members who have supported me greatly with messages of pride and best wishes. And also a big thank you to Atlas Gym in Coleraine for sponsoring me in the WKC International Open Championships.”

Andrew has been appointed head instructor of Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club Ballymoney, based in the JDLC and takes place every Friday from 7pm-8pm. ZSNI offers up the opportunities, such as Andrew’s, to every member and new members are welcome, with the first session free, a pair of Kumite Mitts free once registered and a free karate suit after 10 sessions.

For more information on this club please contact: 07931981962 or email [email protected] Visit: www.zsni.co.uk or like us on Facebook: Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club.