THE 2016 Scottish Karate Open was held last month over two days at Meadowbank Stadium and Cowdenbeath karate student Melissa Maxwell finished the events top female fighter winning three gold medals at this year's event.

A total of 860 entries attended this year's event with fighters from England, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Malta ,Germany and Scotland all competing in one of the UK's largest karate events.

With the event being an international ranking tournament were winners received nationally recognised ranking points, dependant on their medal position, towards selection for their own national squads the best fighters were in full attendance. The WKF, World Karate Federation, fully sanctioned the tournament with Cowdenbeath Karate club being full members of this organisation through their membership of the Scottish Karate Governing Body.

Melissa, having just turned sixteen, had to fight in a higher age group for the first time, the girls under 18 years at -59 kg, but managed to secure this year's gold medal with some explosive kicking in all her bouts.

She then entered the open weight section and fought her way to the final to face Danish opposition. A hard fight ensued but Melissa managed to get the necessary points to secure this title as well much to the delight of the Cowdenbeath coaching team and supporters

Finally Melissa fought and captained a Scotland select who then defeated Ireland in the final to make it three gold medals for Melissa .

A number of younger Cowdenbeath fighters also fought over the weekend with Sammi Maxwell earning disqualification due to excessive contact, Emma Duncan narrowly missing out on a medal with some great spirited fighting and others missing out this time but gaining great experience in the process.

Jay Hogg won bronze in his section and like Emma is progressing well on the tournament scene.

Instructors Allan Goodwin and Ben Smith commended all the fighters saying: "It takes courage to go up and fight in the first place and with such a high standard it is tempting for the students to be put off as nerves play a big factor, so we commend them all for their spirited performances in a tough and intimating venue. "Again competition karate is not for everyone and our club caters for all students whether they wish to fight or not but if they do the individual requires a number of attributes and has to fight on a regular basis and the best fighters.

"An event such as the Scottish Open offer this sort of challenge and opportunity but it is difficult so again well done to all entries. For Melissa it was her day but a long road still lies ahead for her to achieve a level for reaching the very very top, and that will depend of her dedication.

"With the 2020 Olympics looking like karate will be included in it's programme, for the first time then who knows?"

The coaches added: "Behind Melissa we have a number of very promising young fighters both girls and boys who are developing all the time and with Melissa now helping with the teaching then who better to be showing them how to develop their skills.

"Melissa also helps Tom Martin run the Benarty Tigers karate club for 3 -7 years on a Tuesday evening and also informs us there are some great young prospects at this class as well . "

The Cowdenbeath Karate Club operates out of it's own premises on Broad Street , with new members always welcome both young and old and they also run a class at Benarty Centre on Tuesday for 3-7 years olds as well as class at Cowdenbeath on the Thursday for the same age group. Most students just want to get fitter and learn some basic self defence but the club does offer the facility for students to compete if the so desire .

The first week's training is free, turn up or phone 07904422968 and speak to one of the instructors who will be pleased to advise .