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A family-run karate club from Fleur de Lis has finished third in the world championships, where 27 of its members represented Wales.

Akai Ryuu S.K.C won 19 gold medals, 14 silver and 14 bronze at The Karate Association World Championships, which were held in Poland earlier this month.

The success came despite taking 220 fewer competitors than host nation and winners Poland.

Sensei and owner of the club, Andrew Lewis, told Caerphilly Observer: “I set an optimistic target of eight medals before we travelled. To even compete with some of these fighters is amazing.”

The club, which was created only five years ago, offers a number of classes every day of the week to more than 100 members starting from the age of three.

The club was initially set-up by sensei Lewis to get kids off the street and into sport. Since then however, it has evolved to offer female-only nights, as well as supporting disabled members.

“For some time, I personally struggled with my mental health”, Sensei Lewis said. “Karate offered me a way to express myself in a controlled environment”, he added.

“Karate is a sport for everyone. We have a girl that trains with us that has down syndrome. To see her enjoying herself is worth a gold medal to me.”

Three of the 27 club members who travelled to Poland are from Graig y Rhacca, where the club used to be based before it found a permanent home in Fleur de Lis last year.

Lowri Davies, eight, took gold in Poland and plans on keeping up the sport: “I’ve been doing karate for four years and I enjoy it. This was my first world’s and it was great fun.”

Machen and Rudry ward councillor Chris Morgan, who also sits on Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen (BTM) Community Council, described the success as a “great story for the area”.

He continued: “BTM Community Council sponsored the club when they travelled to Slovakia in 2019, so we’re proud to see their success.”

Mother and ‘team cheerleader’, Lois Jones, said how despite the success, unfortunately some kids have had to drop out due to travel arrangements.

In response, Cllr Amanda McConnell, who also represents Machen and Rudry, said the community council would look at potentially funding a bus for kids to travel from the BTM area to Fleur de Lis.

Cllr McConnell added: “It’s great to see such enthusiasm in the area. Why should local people miss out?”

According to Sensei Lewis, the club is still looking to grow: “All are welcome here. My son, daughter, and wife took medals in Poland – but anyone who trains with us soon becomes family.

“We’re taking a massive squad to Sardinia in October, which is great for the athletes involved. Funding is down to us however – which means unfortunately sometimes people miss out. We’d love to get some sponsors on board.”

If you’d like to find out more about Akai Ryuu S.K.C, you can visit their Facebook page or email Andrew Lewis on: tamakaccfc@gmail.com.