On Saturday the 12th of February, students from the Canterbury Christ Church University Shotokan Karate club took part in the Southern Regions karate championships in Crawley.

One of the newer members of the club, Aaron Douglas competed for the first time at regional level, having joined the club as a beginner last September.

Stephen Bottomley (third year undergraduate) put in an excellent performance in both aspects of the competition – kata (a pattern of moves designed to deal with several opponents) and kumite (freestyle sparring).

Stephen won two bronze medals in both disciplines in his category. This is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating not only Stephen’s ability in specialist areas of karate but also his development as an ‘all-rounder’ in this martial art.

Stephen began learning karate at Canterbury Christ Church University and hopes to grade for his first dan black belt in the near future. At the same event, one of the club’s previous members and an alumnus of Christ Church – Ben Richardson, who is now a third dan black belt, became the Southern Region kumite champion. Ben is currently a member of the National squad.

Canterbury Christ Church offers all of its members the opportunity to compete in both national and regional competitions. New members are always welcome and no experience is required. Contact liggysamson@googlemail.com

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