It’s been a massively successful year on the international competition circuit for students from the Mizukara Karate clubs in Ards and Bangor. To top it all of, 2024 is their thirtieth anniversary. They recently celebrated this in Scrabo Golf Club and had a number of very special guests in attendance. These were Sensei Ian Cuthbert (Director of Kumite for Karate England), Sensei Patsy Whelan (Chairman of Karate Ireland), Sensei Terry Boyle (Chairman for Karate Northern Ireland). Sifu Michele Gibson (Director of Tai Chi NI) and Sensei Jack Gould (WUKF European Silver medallist). Additionally former senseis of the Mizukara clubs, Kevin and Sam Lewis were also in attendance.
Sensei David Brashaw explained “Our club began in Carnalea Methodist, Bangor in 1994, and since then has expanded into Newtownards and also into a number of primary schools throughout the area. We estimate we have coached over a few thousand students during those years. Additionally, we have been very successful helping students of all ages with confidence, minor disabilities and of course to achieve international success. It was an honour to have the top karate representatives from Ireland, north and south in attendance and additionally from England. It was also wonderful to have a number of former students in attendance.”
The evening kicked off with meal. The 3oth anniversary cake candles were then extinguished by students Noah Parker and Zoe Cordner. After a few short speeches, black belts, certificates and flowers were presented Levi Kane (1st Dan) and Amy Adair (2nd Dan). The evening was rounded of with a disco from local DJ, DJ Reece, who additionally is a former karate student of the Mizukara clubs.
