For the first time in a long period the Northern Ireland Karate Championships were recently held in the North West of the province, in the new Foyle Arena.
As always a number of students from the Bangor and Newtownards Mizukara Karate Clubs travelled to the event and again failed to disappoint.
This time around the team returned with four new Northern Ireland Champions.
The best of which went to current European silver medallist Dean Miller, who took the title in the Cadets Kumite (Sparring) and was only beaten to the medals in his kata event by the more dynamic stance style of his Shotokan opponents.
The second title went to young Toby McKelvey, who not only won his kumite, but also took silver in his kata event.
Cameron Speers, who has also won before in the Irish Nationals, was delighted this time around to win the kata event and take silver in his kumite.
The final Northern Ireland title went to newcomer Daniel Griffen. In his first competition Daniel lived up to coach David Brashaw’s expectations, and not only got amongst the medals, but won in the final.
His brother Connor, also in his first outing, claimed a silver in his kata event.
Amy Adair from Conlig kept doing what she does best, her kumite, and this time out, lifted a silver medal, beaten narrowly by Eimear Mooney.
Brothers Karl and Victor Andreasson brought home four bronze medals between them, both lifting one in their kumite and kata events.
Archie McKelvey had a very good kata performance of Pinan Nidan but this time did not unfortunately get among the medals.
Coach Brashaw added, “It was a super event hosted by Karate Northern Ireland. There was not one single poor performance from any of our squad. We are delighted of our latest Northern Ireland Champions.”