A SMALL team from Cowdenbeath Karate Club travelled down south for a competition last week where they recorded some great results and gained invaluable experience.

The group travelled to Worcester for the English Open karate championships and with nearly 1400 entries from all the top UK clubs in attendance and many top internationals, it was going to be a very hard arena to fight in.

It was also the first large national karate tournament since the Covid restrictions were lifted meaning fighters would be rusty going into their battles.

However, after almost 13 hours of tough fighting, the Cowdenbeath team recorded some excellent results and performances.

Young Cole Webster was up first and lost narrowly after couple of rounds but fought very well and with him fighting in the Dutch Open in three weeks, it was a good run out in a very busy group.

Club instructor Ben Smith also narrowly lost out in a section full of top fighters but, again, put up an excellent and spirited performance against a great opponent.

Mia Aitken was up next and made it to the semi-finals before losing to collect a well-deserved bronze medal in the girls’ 14/15 year old open weight section.

Elize Bauld was then up and continued her great form after winning in Penrith three weeks ago to beat a top class field to win the 2021 title with some fantastic kicking and skilful movements.

Next up, the team has a local tournament before heading off to Holland for the Dutch Open and then in December, they will head to Italy for the Venice Premier league event.

The club operates out of its own gym in Cowdenbeath running classes for all ages and abilities. All are welcome and the club boasts many national and international champions but also runs class in basic karate and fitness.