Academy proves a hit
Shropshire Goju Ryu Karate Academy proved a smash hit with four medals in GB Open Karate Championships.
Junior and senior members from the academy impressed in the event at Solihull under the stewardship of sensei Max Beddow and Sheryl Maybin.
Ryan Cox led the medal rush with silver in the kata and bronze in the kumite while Jack Weaver and Jasmine Reynolds both bagged bronzes in their respective kumite categories.
Three-time former world and 10-time national champion sensei Damion Wood travels frequently from Liverpool to coach the youngsters at their sessions at Victoria Hall in Broseley.
The academy was formed two years ago by Beddow and now boasts 40 members.
“We have come a long way in the last two years,” said Beddow. “The team really made the club proud by winning medals at GB Open.”
And a number of the academy’s rising stars are set to fly to Tokyo in in July where they will further enhance their techniques.
“This is a unique opportunity for the academy, we are going to the home of karate and will learn so much there and hopefully come back with a lot of skills,” added Beddow, who will also take members to compete in the EGKA Northern Championships in May.
