Karate kids rack up over 60 'home wins'

The Dokan Karate Club staged the Dokan Northern League at Sunderland University – the biggest karate competition this far North – attracting 663 entries from 30 clubs from all over England.

In all 663 entrants competed in at least one category at the event.

Overall, members of the Dokan club literally ‘stole their own show’ – by taking 61 first place slots.

Star of the event was 10-year-old Alice Watson, who put on an amazing performance – collecting eight gold medals and a bronze.

The club’s chief instructor, Kevan Mitchinson, said: “This medal tally is a real credit to all the students and parents at our club who train hard every week.

"We had some great performances from our students but Alice was the standout star of the competition.

“She has really done well and this is a fantastic achievement which she should be really proud of.

"She has massive potential, having only been with us for 13 months and never having done Karate before.”

He added: “The entire event was a huge success and provided local clubs with a great chance of competing without having to travel miles for the experience.

"The university facilities were first class and all the volunteers worked very hard to make the event a success.

We would like to thank the university for having us and all of the people that helped behind the scenes.”

In July, a 15-strong squad from the Dokan club returned from the WUKF World Karate Championships in Malmo, Sweden, with four gold, nine silver and five bronze medals – finishing 10th in the overall medal table.

Dokan specialises in teaching Shotokan Karate – considered a traditional and influential form of the sport – at a range of venues in South Tyneside and Sunderland.

As well as the competition squad the club holds a series of classes for all age groups – and specific beginner’s classes – seven days a week.

For more information on taking up karate, call 07939 130411 or email [email protected].