Shaun wins Scottish title

Andrew Cowie • Published 31 Dec 2009 08:00 0 Comments

Share this

A LOCAL fighter who trains at and is a member of Cowdenbeath Karate Club, has won his category at the Scottish national Karate Championships, held recently at Meadowbank Sports Centre.

The event is by far the biggest annual competition in the Scottish karate calendar, and is run by the Scottish Karate governing body.

It is notoriously difficult for smaller clubs and associations to have any success, as all the country's top fighters converge to compete.

Shaun Sneddon, however, battled through the men's junior section eliminators to find himself in the final and after a strong display, came out on top to win the Scottish title.

Shaun has trained at the local gym for a number of years, and also competes in full contact from time to time.

Cowdenbeath's Mel Maxwell also won bronze medals in the team and individual categories.

Club Secretary Neil Maxwell said, "This is the first time in the Club's 30 years history that any one person has won the full Scottish championship. Even by our high standards, they are normally just a bit out of reach, as it is sport karate at the highest level.

"Although Shaun trains with extreme commitment and dedication, and has improved dramatically in the last few months, I'd be lying if I didn't say that it did come as a bit of a surprise such is the scale of this. It was simply his day and I hope he can go on to the highest level from here."

The 'Scottish' was the final event of what has been a remarkable year yet again for the local group, with successful trips to Belfast and Belgium, four winners of the Scottish Karate Grand Prix, and numerous courses with world class coaches. The club also competed well in a full contact and M.M.A. event held last March.

Neil and Chief Instructor Gordon Maxwell would like to take the opportunity, as the year draws to a close, of thanking all those from members to parents to sponsors and indeed anyone who has helped in some capacity to make the club a success, not only this year, but for many before.

A special thanks from the brothers goes to instructors Chris, Marie, Jonathon, and also to the many others assisting with day to day coaching. To Denise Izatt for her vital role in ensuring the centre runs smoothly.

Also big thanks went to sponsors, Marathon Oil UK, Smart Travel, Ron Sealey, Volvo, and all other businesses who have helped make things happen. Finally a vital sponsor for the club too has been Carlos Webster, owner of the Woodside Hotel, Cowdenbeath, who as well as giving the club a vital base for race nites and generally promoting the club, has just as importantly, made sure that members don't go thirsty!

The club resume training on Tuesday 5th of January, and are planning to compete in Malta in March. New members are always welcome.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Central Fife Times Poll

Should Andy Gray and Richard Keys have lost their jobs in the Sky sexism row?

This Poll is now closed.

Yes (50.6%)

No (49.4%)

Follow @dunfermlinep