Medals and trophies were awarded to students at the KSTSK Royston, Melbourn and Bassingbourn Karate Clubs in a popular and recent event held at Wodson Park Sports, Centre Ware.
The event, organised by Kamaete Schools of Traditional Shotokan Karate (KSTSK), attracted competitors from clubs across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Events covered all ages from five-year-old kata (formal exercise) to teenage and adult categories and on to black belt kata and kumite (sparring).
The popular family team (synchronized) kata event, consisting of three people, proved a success with 18 teams coming forward to compete.
Chief instructor Peter Khera said: "This is our first tournament in four years due to the impact of the pandemic and it was an absolute pleasure to see so many students participating.
"For many students this was their first tournament and the efforts demonstrated were remarkable.
"All individuals and teams involved put on excellent performances resulting in several medals and trophies being won and the whole day was full of commitment, determination, and discipline."
Sensei Khera was impressed with all participants, particularly the juniors whose karate discipline and etiquette was excellent.
Peter Khera with his seventh dan black belt award. Picture: KSTSK (Image: KSTSK)
There was also a special announcement with Khera being awarded seventh dan black belt, attained following formal audit and assessment by the National Governing Body NAKMAS National Management Committee.
He has been training in martial arts for over 40 years and has taken part in several tournaments at national and international level, winning many trophies and medals.
Khera, who opened his first club in 1994, called the promotion an "absolute honour".
He said: "This grade recognises the time, commitment and sheer dedication served in practising and teaching karate.
"I always strive to become a better instructor and pass on my knowledge and experience to students so that they continue to excel with their karate journey."
Gold medals: Chris Alliott, Muhilan Kanagrathnam, Andy Flint, Ben Holme, Benji Andrews, Alex Florea, Amy Florea, Mia Bell, Daisy Bell, Leo Wheeler-Kingshott and Dylan Harding.
Silver medals: Rico Surridge, Chris Alliott, Muhilan Kanagrathnam, Ben Holme, Benji Andrews, Maria Wydwell, Finley Tulloch, Elora Tulloch, Mia Bell, Daisy Bell, Thomas Flint and Jora Kandola.
Bronze medals: Arun Sumala, Rico Surridge, Ben Surridge, Sophie Lemay, Harry Cooper, Hugo Yallop, Bethany Thompson Claire Ruhf, Gregg Hills, Stephen Chung-Goodridge, Richard Lione and Toby Sargeant
KSTSK are running free taster beginners classes. Call 07866 374674 or visit www.kstsk.co.uk for details.
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