Karate (From Warrington Guardian)

Karate

successes

NORTH West Karate Academy made their mark at the BSK Preston Open on Sunday.

The club, with bases in Culcheth and Newton, impressed with a string of medal successes in kata (patterned moves) and kumite (fighting).

Amy Nelson, Natalie Charlton and Nicole Halsall led the way in the gold medal stakes.

An individual kata gold medal was won by Amy in the aged 16 and over female event, and Nicole in the 13 to 15 year olds' mixed category, Matthew Horton in the 11 and 12 year olds' mixed competition, Danielle Sawer in the nine and 10 year olds' mixed section, and Alex Gore in the aged eight and under mixed class.

Individual gold medal successes also came in kumite for Amy in the aged 16 and over female competition, together with Natalie in the aged 15 and under female group.

Amy completed a hat-trick of impressive gold medal performances when she was joined by Alex Hodge and Luke Scott to win the senior kata team event, while Natalie, Amy Cook and Nicole struck gold in the junior team kata showdown.

Natalie and Nicole also won three golds as they were joined by Amy Cook and Paul Charlton for success in the under 15 year olds' mixed team kumite competition.

Individual silver medals were won in kata at various age groups by Zach Scott, Lydia Coleman and Natalie, with a junior team medal being added by Zach, Matthew and Paul.

An individual kata bronze medal was won by Paul along with Amy Cook, Luke and Samantha Anderton, while a cadet team bronze medal was secured by Samantha, Danielle and Lydia.

Bronze medals in kumite were claimed by Amy Cook and Nicole.