SENSEI Dean Lowe took two of Uechi-Ryu Essex’s students to Malmo to compete at the Swedish Open karate championships.

Jack Nicholls and Jordan Clarkson, both 15, fought some of Europe’s top cadet fighters in the event which attracted competitors from nine nations.

Nicholls fought first and eventually claimed silver, in what was his first international event. Current England squad member and recently crowned national champion, Jordan Clarkson won bronze in her category.

Benfleet-based karate club, Uechi-Ryu Essex, also sent seven fighters from their squad to Sheffield to compete at the English Karate Federation (EKF) National Championships. The annual competition held over two days, allows competitors from aged nine to senior level to compete in both kumite and kata, to determine who is the best in the country.

Meanwhile at the recent national championship Tianee Harvey and Jordan Clarkson were both crowned national champions, having out-fought everyone in their respective categories and claimed the gold.

Kenna Kirk won silver, losing to Uechi-Ryu’s Tayla O'Brien, in a hard-fought final.

Alex Jones and Ryan Luke both got silver medals whilst Jack Nicholls’ claimed bronze.

* Uechi-Ryu Essex runs many classes in the Castle Point area for both traditional and competition karate – with youngsters taken from the age of six. Call Dean Lowe 07590 993055 if you’re interested in learning martial arts.