FIVE members of a Warrington karate club were selected to represent England in the four-day UWK World Karate Championships in Italy.
The five members of SSK Great Sankey Karate Club all picked up bronze medals – an amazing achievement at world level according to club leader Steve Nelson.
Annabel Mooney got a bronze in in 15-17 Shitoryu Kata, Dominic Lewis bronze in 15-17 Shitoryu Kata, Rebecca Cotterill a bronze in 15-17 Other styles Kata, Joanne Phelan bronze in 18+ Shitoryu Kata and Jennie Trow a bronze in 15-17 Kumite team.
Jennie Trow was also a strong contender for a medal in individual kumite (fighting) but unfortunately was hospitalised after her opponent was disqualified for excessive contact in an earlier round, ruining her medal chances.
Joanne Phelan – a LiveWire talented athlete – winning a bronze in the Open Kata section where all the style groups compete together – “the best of the best” according to Steve.
She beat the top three from all the other karate style sections including shotokan, wado ryu, Goju Ryu, and other styles’ world champions. She was narrowly beaten by the two Shitoryu ladies from Romania and Italy who beat her in the Shitoryu style section.
Steve said: “The team have worked hard all year to get on the world stage competing in four qualification tournaments.
“My small group is very much a team and whether we win or lose we do it together. I’m really proud of them all on and off the mat, as they have a fantastic attitude and their hard work is really paying off. “
The club is currently based at Penketh High School while Great Sankey Leisure Centre is being redeveloped.
