A squad of 12 Phoenix Karate Schools students along with coaches, instructors and parents attended the KKO Open Karate Championships in Liverpool.

It proved to be an excellent weekend, with the travelling party returning to Norfolk with seven trophies, two golds, one silver and four bronze.

The event attracted over 300 competitors including current and former World and European medallists.

Samantha Williams, William Snowling, Ruby Moore, Leighton Kerr, Billy Baker and five-year-old Jayleigh Haylett, who was competing in her first competition, did not reach the medals this time.

Seven-year-old William Mortimer and nine-year-old Johannes Bieber both took a bronze in their kumite sections after giving impressive performances.

Gorleston’s Tay Emmerson went out before the medals in his individuals, but fought hard for the KKO team where they took silver.

Lowestoft’s Zara Williams showed true spirit and determination against very strong opponents in her individual kumite and despite taking a heavy blow in the semi-finals, proceeded to take the gold medal in a truly exciting final.

Later in the day Zara teamed up with fellow KKO squad members and took a bronze in the girls’ team kumite.

The two adults competing were not to be outshone by the juniors and Jeanette Emmerson took a well deserved bronze in the Veteran’s High Grades while Samantha Mortimer took another gold in the Veteran’s Low grades to add to her one gained in Ireland last month.

A poignant moment at the event came when Phoenix chief coach Charlie Trorey 6th Dan, who passed away in November, was remembered. A Memorial Trophy was presented by his wife Vivianne to the winner from Kirby Karate, for the Best of the Best Senior Kata.

Anyone wishing to train at Phoenix 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.co.uk

If you want your sports report to be featured in the Great Yarmouth Mercury simply email it to yarsportmail@archant.co.uk by Wednesday lunchtime.