Cowdenbeath Karate club have been busy competing with events in Scotland and across Europe with a wide range of ages and abilities entering these events.

In Scotland, the National Championships saw 13 members fighting with Bison and Rylie Ward competing for the first time.

Both lads gave a good account of themselves but no medals this time but vital experience for the future gained for them both.

First up was Antione Pinardin in the male black belt -84 kg event; Antione put on a spectacular and explosive display to beat all fellow competitors and win the gold medal in a very tough and competitive section.

Sammi Maxwell continued her recent comeback winning a silver medal in her event with Emma Duncan winning bronze in the adult female black belt open in what was probably the toughest group of the tournament.

Elize Bauld continued her winning streak winning both her own weight section and the openweight event cementing her place as Scotland’s best cadet.

Elize fought with her usual high intensity manner and showed the composure and execution to dispatch her rivals across all weights.

Last up was young Anna Smith who won five fights to win the girls under-12 title. Anna never knew she had won the event until her coach told her after the last fight and she was overcome with emotion.

In karate you have many downs and few ups and most folk eventually quit but young Anna has persevered even when not winning and now the gold medal is hers and well deserved.

Next up was a trip to Poland for Elize Bauld as she was looking for vital international experience and mat time ahead of the World Championships in Turkey. After a slow start in the early rounds, Elize started to slip into gear and won an impressive quarter final against Polish opposition to set up a semi-final clash with the Ukraine favourite.

Elize fell two behind early on with the girl’s superior height advantage proving difficult to break down. However, constant pressure from Elize finally yielded an opening in which she delivered a spinning kick to the opponent’s head and the three points to win the bout in spectacular style and a place in the final.

Elize then won the final 5-0 and the gold medal came back to Scotland.

The last event the club entered was the Luxembourg Cup; one of Europe’s top events for adults with cash prizes for the winners.

Sisters Melissa and Samantha Maxwell both entered and after a very hard day of fighting Melissa lost the -61kg final with sister Samantha third.

Samantha then won bronze in the under-21 event leaving Melissa to fight in the cash event open. Melissa then drew 1-1 with the local favourite in the second round but the decision went against her so disappointment for Melissa who looked to have won the fight but that ended the girls participation for another year in this event.

Allan Goodwin, club coach said: “Some good performances in all events from the club members.

“In the Scottish event a sound set of results from everyone and even those who missed out on the podium gave a very good account of themselves.

“In Poland, a great result achieved there by Elize. And for Melissa and Samantha, good performances in a tough tournament. “I know Melissa will be disappointed in the outcome, but on speaking to both girls they know that the lack of fighting in high level events abroad over the last few years has been a problem for them which they are trying to address. However, fighting as an adult abroad is very difficult now with lack of funding in this country, but the club and the fighters are determined to push on and progress “Thanks to all the individual supporters, coaches and sponsors including MSD taxis and Secure Airparks for their continued support. Without you we could not afford these opportunities to our members so a big thanks.”