Last weekend at the Northern Regions Karate Open in Letterkenny karate stars from across Ireland competed for coveted silverware. Among them were Newtownards karate competitors Kevin Lewis, Sam Lewis and David Brashaw.
Coach Brashaw decided they should compete at this event as part of their preparation for the European championships in May. It would be particularly challenging event as all of their competitors would be from the more dynamic style of karate called shotokan, as opposed to their practised style of Wado Ryu. In addition the competition would be using the WKF rules (flag system) which makes it even more difficult to win a medal in kata events.
In spite of this Kevin went out on a split decision, and David and Sam won gold and silver respectively in the senior men's kata event.
In the under eighteen kata mixed category, team-mate Glen Bailie showed once again why he is a world silver medallist, when he won his category again against shotokan opposition.
David added “This competition was a useful benchmark for us and another step in the right direction toward our goal of international silverware.”
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