Otley Karate Centre ended 2013 in style with some outstanding results.

At one of England’s most prestigious all-styles tournaments, the Shukokai Karate Union open at the Sheffield Institute of Sport, 15-year-old James Cape led the way.

He followed up his recent European medal-winning form by taking championship gold in the senior cadet black belt kata (traditional form) for the third year in a row.

Thirteen-year-old brown belt student Emily Anslow also climbed onto the rostrum in winning her first-ever gold medal in the girl’s senior cadet brown belt kata.

The club’s renowned Centre of Excellence squad, which is based at Bridge Church, also provided a further seven top three places.

They were achieved by, Eaton Nim – silver in the junior cadet 6-4kyu kata, Jake Magarry – bronze in the senior cadet black belt kata, Cameron Lord – bronze in the senior cadet black belt kumite (free-fighting), Max Lord – double bronze in the senior cadet black belt kumite and senior cadet black belt kata, Oliver James – bronze in the junior cadet 6-4 kyu kata and Daniel Velez – bronze in the junior cadet 8+7kyu kata.

One week later, at the Shukokai Karate Alliance’s black belt promotion examination held in Cheshire, 16-year-old Prince Henry’s pupil Natalie Hofman battled her way through a four-hour physical assessment in front of a panel of some of England’s leading karate masters, to gain promotion to 2nd degree black belt.

Shihan Ken Gee, the club’s 8th degree black belt master, said: “The club’s tally of nine top three trophies, which included two championship first places, came not only from our strong nucleus of talented senior grades but also from our gifted young junior grades.

“It’s also rewarding to see our female students doing so well, Emily in competition and Natalie in her success at senior black belt level.”

Visit www.otleykaratecentre.co.uk or call Ken Gee on 01423-858474 for details on classes.