Champion effort by karate group.

Last Sunday senior instructor Tracy Pillar (4th dan) took some of the students from the Chinto Karate Group and Winners Fight Club to Stalham to compete in the Norfolk Open Karate Championships.

The first trophy of the day went to first-time competitor Reece Gibbs who was first in his kata section. Also being placed were Jack Trueman with first place, Jay Emms second, Ali Watson third and - competing for the first time in kata - Janet Shreeve, a first.

In the five to eight years kumite section (sparring) former Little Ninja Aiden Spink was awarded first place, Tay Emmerson second place and Antonio Mangilli third.

In the mixed nine-15 years kumite, black belt student Chiara Spink met older male opponents. Although suffering a bleeding nose in one of her fights she continued to excel and finished a well-deserved second.

Black belt Adam Yorkston did the club proud, receiving a third in his section against much more experienced fighters. Adam was also in the boys' team along with Thomas Watson and Jack Yorkston who put up a brave performance and landed a third place.

Long-time black belts at the club Neil Dyble, Nick Delf and Stuart Mangilli competed in the men's team section. Against some very strong teams all three performed at their best and reached the final. After a tough three rounds the team drew against their opponents. Neil Dyble went on to compete in a final bout which he narrowly lost and the team ended with a second place position.

Ali Watson won third place in the men's continuous kumite as well as first place in the men's kumite team event. Venetia Spink won second place in the ladies' kumite.

The Chinto Karate Group run Little Ninja lessons for children from three to five years as well as mixed lessons for students from five-adult every day of the week. Tracy also runs Winners Fight Club which comprises of circuit training and kumite as well as Winners Fitness Club for adults on Tuesday mornings.

Tracy is now forming a children's fitness class comprising of keep fit, circuit training and basic martial arts moves along with dance music on Saturday afternoons.

If anyone is interested in joining any of the clubs contact Tracy on 07780 832484.