COWDENBEATH Karate Club had a busy month in September, fighting in Glasgow, Meadowbank, Luxembourg and also holding it’s own development tournament in it’s own premises in Broad Street.

Melissa Maxwell and Elize Bauld both won silver medals at the Wishaw Open before Melissa and her sister Sammi travelled to Holland to train with members of the Dutch national squad in preparation for fighting in the “Loins Cup”, a premier league karate event held in Luxembourg.

This event attracted over 1000 entires, with the cream of karate talents from the French, German and Belgium national teams taking part and for the two Cowdenbeath students this was step up in class of fighting .

A capacity crowd ell-out arena, creating a hostile but tremendous atmosphere to fight in made it an event which provided an immense experience for them.

Sammi was first up and she beat fighters from Holland, France, Germany and Luxembourg to reach the final against Holland.

A hard bout was to follow but unfortunately Sammi ended up being disqualified for excessive contact and had to settle for a silver medal.

Sister Melissa was next, and with 32 fighters is her section and all from top clubs and national squads, this was always going to be her biggest challenge to date.

A good solid win against French oppostion gave Melissa the platform to win again against France, then Holland, France again, then Luxembourg, before losing in the final so again a sliver medal but fine performances from both girls.

It was back to local business the following week with the club taking 11 young fighters to Edinburgh for the Meadowbank Junior Open.

Lucy McDonald battled through a large section, as did Madison Rowley and Rachel Duncan, to win bronze medals while Richard Cairns gave a great performance to win a silver medal in the boys’ cadet section.

Melissa Maxwell won the Girls’ Open but performance of the day was from young Emma Duncan, who won many tough fights, to win the Girls’ Junior Open. All the squad fought well and can look forward to a bright future in karate.

The club held a development day, also in their gym with karate and MMA demonstrations in which 25 of the club’s young members fought, and this was well received by the crowd on the day.

Instructor Alan Goodwin commented, “There were some great performances from all the students and hopefully the Cowdenbeath club can go from strength to strength.” He also thanked all the supporters who attended the events. The club now operates out of it’s own premises in Broad Street with new members always welcome .