British Karate Championships successes 
A small team of local karate athletes recently returned from the Shikon British Open Karate Championships that were held in Harlow Leisure Centre, Essex.
The team of three led by current European Veterans Kata Champion, David Brashaw had not competed in the British Championships before. Nevertheless, they performed extremely well
First up was Charlotte Rylance. Charlotte fought her way to a very well deserved bronze in the Girls Cadet Kumite. Next up in a final was Cameron Speers. Cameron a former junior Northern Ireland this time got in the medals again, but this time for an excellent kata performance against the more dynamic styles of Shotokan and Shotokai. He was delighted to get a bronze for his efforts.
Ben Rylance put in two fantastic performances in both kumite and kata, just missing out narrowly in both for a medal.
Coach David Brashaw from Newtownards completed the medal tally by securing silver in the veteran’s all-styles.
He added “We are delighted with the performances of all three students. Going to their first British Championship is always a tough ask. To come away with great performances and medals is a massive bonus. In this year when they have finally decided karate can be an Olympic Sport, is wonderful that we can show the potential from our side of the Irish Sea.”