‘Phenomenally successful’ - Sunderland and South Tyneside karate youngsters secure 144 national medals
North East karate youngsters have racked up more than 140 medals across two national competitions.
Youngsters from a Sunderland and South Tyneside karate club are celebrating winning 144 national medals over the course of the last month.
The Dokan Club kicked off their run at the Leeds Open tournament, with the 36-strong squad finishing top of the medal table with 16 gold, 15 silver and 34 bronze.
The success was followed up with a trip to the Scottish International tournament, in Dundee - where 32 Dokan Club competitors won 29 gold medals, 26 silver and 24 bronze.
‘The competitions were both phenomenally successful days’
Kevan Mitchinson, the Dokan’s chief instructor, has praised the efforts of all the competitors across the two national competitions.
He said: “The Scottish International event in particular was a very prestigious tournament and, as a club, we finished second in the medal table.
"That was a great achievement for the youngsters.
“The host association, Kanzen Karate Scotland, are an enormous outfit which entered over 85 competitors and topped the medal table.
“Our Dokan karate squad is mostly made up of youngsters, but the majority of them won multiple medals at both competitions.
“The club has a reputation for bringing quality and quantity to competitions, but they also are known for their sportsmanship, good manners and good karate etiquette – which is installed in the club.
"The competitions were both phenomenally successful days for our youngsters and a fabulous experience as they all got together and supported each other throughout both days.
"It is a very young squad – but a very strong one.”
More than karate competitions
Over the course of the next five weeks, the Dokan squad will have another tournament, a grading and a summer presentation day ahead of the summer school holidays.
The club has stated that it will train throughout the holidays but won’t compete again until early September.
Alongside taking part in competitions, Dokan Karate Club holds a series of classes for all age groups across Sunderland and South Tyneside - including beginner sessions.
If you want to find out more about Dokan Karate Club, then you can by calling 07939 130411, emailing: [email protected], and online at: https://www.facebook.com/dka.redhouse/ or https://www.dokan.co.uk/.