A LYMM martial artist was crowned national champion as members of Gen’dai Martial Arts scooped an impressive medal haul.

Instructor Dave Shipton, fifth dan, took gold in the kata (patterned moves) and the kumite (fighting) disciplines to become the senior champion at the UK Open Championship.

Helen Darlington took silver in the women’s kumite and Lymm High School student Joseph Shard collected silver in junior kata.

In the British Shotokan Open Championship students from Gen’dai collected eight medals, making the club one of the championship’s most successful.

Shipton said: “The recent success of the club is quite incredible, I am very proud of each and every student.

“Many students had never before entered a karate competition and to not only have the courage to enter, but to also come away with medals at national level is something very special.

“For me to be crowned national champion in both kata and kumite disciplines is just the icing on the cake.”

Elsewhere, Lymm High School student Harry McMullan passed his first dan black belt grading.

Training is 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesdays and 10.30am to noon on Sundays at Lymm Leisure Centre.

Call Dave Shipton on 07771845779 for further details about Gen’dai Martial Arts.