Family Open Day for karate kids

Last Saturday Carnalea Karate Club held their annual Family Open Day and were delighted to welcome guest of honour, Councillor Alan Leslie Mayor of North Down to their special day.

Forty students had parents, friends and family come along and find out more about what they do in the club on a weekly basis.

After a brief warm-up which involved stretching, physical exercises and movement practice, Sensei Kevin Lewis had the junior grades demonstrate basic techniques. After this he had the yellow belts demonstrate some karate basics and combinations.

The orange belts then showed some attacking and blocking techniques against a partner and the green and blue belts thrilled an intrigued audience with some sparring. Some senior students then illustrated excellent pad-work, followed by individual and team kata performances.

Chief Instructor David Brashaw then introduced Claire McPeake, one of three students from the club who recently returned from Germany after representing Northern Ireland at the World Karate Championships. Claire told everyone about the fantastic experience she had, and the exhilaration of the team after collecting five medals. Her dad Gerry, who had travelled with the team to Germany , then explained what a huge event the world championships were, and how everyone was so proud of the children's performances.

The memorable day ended with David thanking all the children for taking part and the parents for their support. He added that training fees for the day would be donated to Childline NI.

The next big event on the club calendar is a grading for some students. This will take place on Saturday 16 December and be followed the next weekend by the Christmas party.

Photographs from the event