Eight of Phoenix Karate Schools’ competition squad travelled to Motherwell in Scotland for the KKO Open Karate Tournament at the weekend.

With World and European Champions in the line-up the standard was high and although it is always a benefit to compete against the best, some students were unable to get into the medals.

Johannes Bieber and William Snowling fought well but did not get through to the medal positions. Leighton Kerr was doing well but was taken ill at the event and had to return to the squad hotel, before some of his events started.

Hopton’s Billy Baker has just gone up an age section and although he performed with passion he could not reach the medal positions in his individuals. However later in the day he teamed up with Ben Parker from Hull in a team that should have had Leighton as lead fighter. The pair fought through to the semi-finals but had to bow out when Ben lost his fight. Billy returned with a well deserved bronze medal.

Seven-year-old William Mortimer from Lowestoft missed out on a bronze in his kata event by one point, but fought like a trooper in his kumite to take the title in style. Keeping it in the family, mum Samantha took a bronze in the Shobu Ippon and silver in the Shobu Sanbon kumite.

Gorleston’s Tay Emmerson missed out on a medal in the kata but took a fantastic silver in the boys’ team kumite and was selected to fight for the England squad in a four team, mini international event, between England, Scotland, Ireland and Malta. With five people from different age groups in each team, England made it through to the final against Scotland, where they took the title three wins to two.

Zara Williams, 14, gained a bronze in the 15-17 years kumite, a silver in the 13-14 years and another bronze in the girls’ team event.

Squad coach Samuel Snowling said: “The squad were tremendous, they didn’t give up, They have the correct attitude to both their competing and training.”

Anyone wishing to train at Phoenix Karate classes in Acle, Martham, Caister, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Hopton, Lowestoft and Oulton Broad can contact Vivianne on 01502 730171 or 07895 550168 or visit www.phoenixkarateschools.com.