Youngsters from a freestyle karate club in Senghenydd have put their newly-learnt skills to the test as they competed at the Kwon Kids UK Open Championship.
The Welsh Freestyle Karate Association took seven of its Caerphilly based members aged from seven to 15 along to the championships, which were held at the North Solihull Sport Centre, in Birmingham on Sunday, July 3.
Several of the youngsters had only taken their first kickboxing grading the previous weekend, with some receiving their first belt just three days prior to the Under 17-year-old Championship event on Thursday June 30.
Competing in Birmingham were: Cory Jenner, seven, and Casey Havard, eight, in the -130cm 6-8yrs novice category, Aneurin Morgan and Ali Bedir, both eight, in the -140cm 6-8yrs novice category, Amber Jones, nine, in the -140cm 9-14yrs novice category, Dylan Bishop, 15, in the 15-17yrs intermediate category, and Garin Davies, 15, in the -165cm 15-17yrs advance light continuous category.
Cory Jenner won his points category and came second in his light continuous category, while Dylan Bishop also finished first in his points category, and Garin Davies – who is also the junior instructor – finished second in his light continuous category.
For members of the club to have come away from their first competition with silverware so early in their competitive careers is a fantastic feat.
Welsh Freestyle Karate Association opened in April, with head instructor Nathan Bishop instilling confidence and respect in the students. The club holds sessions at The Centre, Senghenydd between 5pm and 7pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.