AFS Consultants help talented karate students reach international contest

A total of seven young people and adults, who practice the Japanese-style of karate, Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR), had been selected to represent Britain in the global event.

The GKR Karate World Cup took place at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes this summer and was open to all ages and all grades from Australia, the USA, New Zealand and the UK.

The group of Scarborough students from GKR Karate, Eastfield, included children and their parents who had all qualified to compete in the contest.

But before they could demonstrate their skills in the contest, the Scarborough group first had to overcome the issue of finding funding for transport, accommodation and entry fees.

Donations came from two masonic lodges St Nicholas in Scarborough and Lodge of St Andrew in Hull, Schneider Electric, AFS Consultants, Ne've Shalom Synagogue, Drypool Green Community Association and Scarborough Higashi Karate.

The money was used to transport each of the competitors and one parent to the World Cup and for overnight accommodation.

Sensei coach, Nicki Martin, said Karate was a positive sport for all generations; building strength and self-confidence, balance, co-ordination. It also teaches discipline and courtesy as well as basic self-defence.