BLACKPOOL'S very own karate kids have become Scottish champions after scooping 11 medals in a tournament in Dundee.
Eight youngsters from Blackpool Budokan bagged six golds, three silvers and two bronze medals at the All Styles Martial Arts Scottish Championships at Dundee International Sports Complex this month.
Disciplines included kick boxing, jujitsu, weaponry and karate. The triumphant team of ten to 19-year-olds added their medals to those won by the club at the World Karate Association's England Championships in March. Then, a group of 12 youngsters won 17 medals in disciplines such as kick boxing and weaponry. The haul also ensured the youngsters' entry into the World Karate Championships in Basle, Switzerland, this September, representing England.
Now the team is fund-raising for the nine-day trip to Basle, expected to cost around £600 per team member.
Competitors will be accompanied by parents of some of the team members plus instructors Rob Campbell and Shirley Clarke.
They'll be part of a 300 strong English delegation, competing against teams from around 80 other countries.
Proud parent John Martin said: "I think this is a particular success for the Budokan.
"My lad, Jack, came third in the under 13s weaponry section in March. I was thrilled to bits.
"When I realised that he was going to Switzerland there was no way I could say no!
"He's got homework to do.
"Then he's got his household chores to do, same as the rest of the kids. But if a child sticks with it and works hard enough to become a member of the England team then obviously they're a disciplined person."
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