COWDENBEATH Karate Club has been very busy over the last few weeks fighting at home and abroad and exponents winning well.

The Meadowbank Junior Championships saw young Elise Bauld winning double gold medals in her fighting groups with young Chloe Courts winning a bronze medal in her very first tournament giving a very spirited and skilful display and she holds great promise for the future .

Whilst the Meadowbank tournament was on the Cowdenbeath elite team were in Germany, near Cologne, fighting in the German International Open, an event sold out to fighters three weeks in advance , with fighters from across Germany and the continent entering for the 2017 titles up for grabs .

First up as young Kenny Putka, in his first big tournament in Europe, but he gave a tremendous performance to reach the boys black belt final only to lose narrowly 2-1 to Belgian opposition but he gained a well deserved silver medal.

Next up was Sammi Maxwell, fighting at U49kg in the 12-13 year old black belt girls again Sammi fought hard to each the final but only to lose in the last few seconds to a strong girl from Germany. Sammi gave it everything in all her fights and can be proud of her efforts.

She then entered the U16 year old section, and again despite being only 13, reached the final after many bruising encounters . A very hard fight ensued with both fighters giving it their all and both on final warnings for excessive contact and with the score locked at 1-1, Sammi was disqualified for a strong head kick. So it was two silver medals for the young Cowdenbeath fighter.

The last fighter was 16 year old Melissa Maxwell fighting at 59kg in the girls U18 Group. After three good wins Melissa lost 1-0 to German opposition and had to settle for a bronze medal much to her disappointment but a good performance for her in all accounts.

Again Melissa entered the female black belt U21 section and despite picking up a knee injury in her second fight she secured the 2107 title in great fashion scoring two head kicks in her final bout to win the gold medal.

All in all a great set of results from the small Cowdenbeath squad in a very hard and challenging environment, nearly 1100 fighters had entered the event and with the three fighters securing five medals was a great achievement .

The following week the team travelled to Dublin for the 2017 Irish Open championships.

Again Elise Bauld set the standard and retained her 2016 title was again some excellent fighting. Robyn Ironside was next up and again won gold, Sammi Maxwell finished in a bronze medal position, then Ethan Bauld was up in the boys black belt section. Ethan gave a controlled and measured display and followed his sister in winning a gold medal with some well timed counters and good movement in all his fights .

Melissa Maxwell was next up and again won gold with Jason McCall winning silver in the veterans fighting event again displaying great skill and determination in his fights .

The last events saw the senior male black belts fighting with Cowdenbeath represented by club instructors Allan Goodwin and Ben Smith fighting in the U75kg section and club mate Lewis "O" Reilly fighting in the over 75 kg event.

With Allan and Ben at opposite ends of the draw both won their first three fights to meet each other in the final, dispatching of all Irish and English fighters in their group.

A hard, fast final, resulted in Allan winning the gold and the bragging rights, this time, but Ben fought well all day and fully deserved his silver medal. Lewis was next up and again made the final but lost to a strong Irish opponent.

The final event was a team challenge match of Scotland v Ireland, with the three Cowdenbeath lads fighting for Scotland.

Scotland won the match 2-1 with Ben Smith securing the victory is his match .

Coach Gordon Maxwell commented: "A busy period for the club fighting in different and difficult venues at home and abroad.

"Everyone did the club and indeed the town of Cowdenbeath proud and it was great to see it's name of the winners board along beside major European cities such as Munich and Frankfurt.

"Again thanks to everyone was supported the club , travelling to the events and helping with the coaching.

"We do appreciate it fully, also well done to all our fighters and students not just the medallists on this occasion. We are a sum of all parts and hopefully we can provide an environment for students to be the best they can, which is what it is all about, we also want to represent our small town and do it proud." The club trains in karate for all ages and abilities also adults fitness /kickboxing classes are run for men and women and all abilities , all welcome just drop into our gym on broad street during the week after 7pm , you will be most welcome .