The 2nd half of 2024 has continued with a busy schedule of para karate competitions nationally, representing my club, Abel Karate. The highlight in June, was representing England at the World Karate Federation Para Karate Cup in Croatia, where I secured a bronze medal.
Training as a para karate athlete with an intellectual disability at a high level is a challenge, and recent changes within the English Karate Federation have disrupted the monthly Para Squad training sessions. I’m pleased to report that these training sessions have resumed and with it, hopefully improved opportunities to compete for England at both a national and international level.
I’m hopeful that a renewed focus on the development and performance of its para karate athletes, will enable the EKF to have us competing alongside the best para-athletes globally. Small though the para categories are within domestic competitions currently in the UK, it is exciting to be part of the opportunity to grow and promote Para Karate at a national level.
Before the August recess, I had a particularly busy May, June and July. Aside from the training camp and competition in Croatia, I competed domestically in the EKF E1 Series, the HX Karate Open Cup, the Abel Karate Inter-Club Championship, and the Central England Championships. I secured medals in all these competitions, including 2 golds.
There have been fewer competitions this Autumn and winter, I have already won silver at the Elite International Open, and secured golds competing at both the Central England International Open and the Abel Karate Inter-Club Championships Final.
I want to further perfect the techniques and performance with my chosen competition katas and look forward to focusing on this and selecting a new kata with my coaches. I continue to train with my club Abel Karate towards my next belt grading and with my 1:1 coaches on my kata development and performance. I am also working towards my next grading and am that bit closer to my dream of getting my black belt.
I am so grateful to the Dylan Howells Foundation for your continuing support in helping me train and compete at a high level. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that await in 2025 and sharing these with you.
