Success for Zanshin Shotokan Club

Pictured here are members of the Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club who recently competed in the first Karate Northern Ireland Championships.

The competition was a great success with many students achieving medals on the day, which recognises them as Northern Ireland Champions. There was an outstanding level of karate standards being shown throughout the day, with over 300 students competing.

The ZSNI, whose Northern Ireland team members compete nationally and internationally on a regular basis, were happy and surprised at the level of karate being shown within Northern Ireland and believe that the competition will continue to grow in further years.

Among the medal winners was 10-year-old and current Coleraine Borough Council’s Junior Sports Man of the Year, Dylan McCloskey, who won three gold medals on the day in every event that he entered, which enhances his ability as a great karateka and student now and for the future.

Also the Senior Northern Ireland team members, who are absent in the photograph, attained great success on the day. Andrew Mills, 19, a Queens University Student, won both kata and Kumite (free sparring) categories in Senior Men. Zachary Geddis (17) a St Joseph’s High School Student, achieved first place in Junior Male Kumite and second in Junior Male Kata. Both boys are International competitors and are travelling to Portugal to compete in the European Championships on November 22nd-24th where they will compete against the best karate competitors in Europe.

Classes in Coleraine run every Monday in Ballysally Community Centre from 7-9pm, Tuesday in Millburn Community Centre from 7-8.30pm, Thursdays in West Bann Development from 4-5pm and Coleraine West Community Centre from 1-3pm. New members welcome all year round, for all those who are five years and above.

If you would like more information on any of the 12 clubs throughout Northern Ireland, please call Chief Instructor Sensei Terry Geddis 5th Dan KUGB (Karate Union Great Britian) on 07931981962, or email: [email protected].

You can also “Like” their page on Facebook or for regular updates and information: Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club or visit their website: www.zsni.co.uk.