She's a champion

A dream came true for karate kid Latia Suen at the weekend when she was crowned national champion.

The nine-year-old from Bradwell (pictured far right above and in inset) had to compete in a series of matches against some of the best girls in the country to win the English Karate Federation National title.

A member of the Great Yarmouth-based Phoenix Karate School, Latia was representing the Amateur Martial Association in the nine years and under girls 25kg kumite section.

In her first fight Latia scored two sanbons (three points) with a mawashi jodan geri, round kick to the head, winning the match with ease. She battled through the next rounds to reach the final which was a closer contest, winning by an ippon (one point).

It was the first national title for Latia, who has been training with instructors Charles Trorey 4th Dan and Vivianne Trorey 2nd Dan for three years.

Now she is set to achieve her black belt later this year, hoping to compete in international events and looking for a sponsor to progress further in her martial arts career.

Also fighting from Phoenix Karate Schools for the AMA were Hannah Wheeler-Smith and Frasier Thompson, who were unfortunate not to gain a medal, especially Frasier who battled his way through five rounds, losing in the quarter-finals by just one ippon (point).

He is hoping for a better result at the Scottish Open Championships in Edinburgh later this month.

Lewis Saunders, of East Coast Karate, won a bronze medal in the 10-12 years boys section at the tournament in Sheffield.

He was joined by fellow club members Charlotte Fisher, James Allan and Helena Andreou.

Anyone wishing to train with Phoenix Karate or Karate Kidz (3-4 year olds) at classes in Martham, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Hopton, and Lowestoft can contact instructor Vivianne Trorey on 01502 730171 or 07895 550168.