With the World Karate Championships in Novi Sad Serbia, just four weeks away, Phoenix Karate Schools students Samuel Snowling and Frasier Thompson are in full training, to be ready for the prestigious event.

At the weekend the boys were joined by clubmates Claudia Anderson and Zara Williams when they travelled to Bury in Lancashire to compete in the North West Championships and although they gave a first-class performance they both went out in the semi-finals of their respective categories and had to settle for a third place trophy.

Claudia, from Blundeston, was in good form ploughing through her rounds to reach the final where she lost by two points.

Zara fought through to the semi-finals, where she came up against a more experienced competitor who dominated the fight.

Chief Instructor Charlie Trorey 5th Dan was joined by assistant Instructors Sophie Stephenson 1st Dan and Daniel Smith 2nd Dan who came along to support and coach. Charlie said: “This was the first outing for the students for a few months and they did well. It was good to see Samuel and Frasier trying out some new techniques ready for Serbia, although they still need to be refined slightly to work effectively”

Anyone wishing to join the Phoenix classes in Acle, Caister, Martham, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Hopton, Lowestoft, Oulton Broad and Beccles can contact Charlie on 01502 730171 or Vivianne on 07895 550168 for details or visit the website at www.phoenixkarateschool.co.uk