Locals to compete in international karate competition

The members come from the four local groups based at Rasharkin Community Centre, Joey Dunlop Centre, Seven Towers Leisure Centre and Coleraine Leisure Centre. Their coach, Dan Redmond, believes that it’s the right time for them to step up to competition level.

He said: “In order to be the best it is necessary to beat the best. For the past three years the CKA members have been competing at local level and in inter-club tournaments gaining beneficial experience.

“They are now looking forward to taking part at this level. Some have entered individual kata and free sparring events and a CKA boys team have also entered the team free sparring (kumite) section.”

This is an especially important championship as it is the ideal occasion for spotting local talent for the Northern Ireland Karate Board internationals.

Some years ago the Chujo Karate Association mens senior free sparring team won the NI Championships and successfully defended their title for six years in a row. In 1981 THE NIKB competed for the very first time at international level in the Grand Slam against national teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France.

Redmond was on that first ever Northern Ireland team and competed at number three.

Meanwhile, the Chujo Karate Association is offering one month of free karate classes for beginners. Anyone wishing to try karate can attend at any of the CKA clubs and for the full month of February it is all free of charge. Just turn up at a chosen class 10 minutes before start time and sign in with your name. Male and female are welcome. Adult and children train in separate classes.

No special clothes are needed to try. A pair of long fitting trousers and t-shirt or a tracksuit will suffice.

The clubs are as follows: Monday - Rasharkin Community Centre; Tuesday - Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre; Wednesday - Seven Towers Leisure Centre; Thursday - Coleraine Leisure Centre.

The style of karate practised is Wado-Ryu. It is one of the main styles practised throughout the World. All clubs/classes have Black Belt coaches.

At the end of February the free offer period ends and those who have tried will be invited to take out a membership. If they instead choose not to continue with karate then they are not obligated in any way to do otherwise.