Martial Arts: Youngsters thrive at first open tournament

Jun 11 2009 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

ALMOST 200 budding martial artists were in action recently at East Whitburn Karate Club’s first ever open children’s championship.

Youngsters from 14 different clubs attended, totalling 180 entrants in all, with the host club, East Whitburn, winning five places of their own. Theses were:

Under-4ft — Katie Thomas; Under 4ft 4ins — Danny Steedman;Under 4ft 6ins — Cameron Hogg;Under 5ft 4ins — Calum Paton;Over 5ft 4ins — Sean Steedman;

Second place – Calum Welsh.

The club would like to congratulate Gillian Lalley and Sophie Sneddon, who won first and thirds respectively at the Karate Academy children’s Kata Championships, which took place in Wester Hailes.

And on duty at the Scottish National Open Championships in Meadowbank Calum Paton put on a fine display, despite stiff competition from 10 other countries to take third place.

Matt Mackay, senior instructor at East Whitburn Karate Club, would like to congratulate all the youngsters for their outstanding efforts and progress.