Wimbledon Karate Jutsu celebrates a successful start to the summer. Only 18-months after the community sports group was launched to increase local participation in martial arts, junior members took part in their first national-level tournament in Ashford, Kent last weekend. The tournament was attended by competitors from across the country, with a strong level of competition in both adults and children’s categories. All competitors from Wimbledon did well, with one junior reaching the final 16 students in the junior kata competition. Club instructors Sempai Ellie Murphy and Sempai Matt Bolt went head-to-head in the senior kata competition, coming 2nd and 3rd overall respectively. Sempai Ellie Murphy also took 1st place in the senior women’s kumite and kickboxing events for the second year running.

Junior students also took part in an intermediate-level club grading on 31st May, where new belts were awarded for their hard work so far this year. Gradings take place 4 times each year, and assess students on their fitness, technical ability and, most importantly, their determination to succeed. All students passed with flying colours! The club trains every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Albemarle Primary School, Southfields, and welcomes new members. Visit www.karatejutsukai.com/wimbledon for more details.

Based on information supplied by Eleanor Murphy.