A Harrogate karate club has marked its tenth birthday by staging a martial arts display and tournament.
More than 50 members of Master Johnson’s Family Karate – ranging in age from eight to 60 – took part in the competition, held at Harrogate Squash and Fitness Centre, on Hookstone Wood Road.
In addition to the tournament, which had eight different competition categories with prizes for first, second and third, there were demonstrations and seminars on sword use, knife defence and understanding pressure points.
Tournament Contenders! Some of the young members of Master Johnson’s Family Karate, who participated in the club’s tenth anniversary celebrations
The tournament champions were Kyle MacArthur, eight, (children’s category) and Edward Smith (Adults category).
The club was started in 2001 by 5th Dan Master Janet McKenna. From one lesson a week in Harrogate Squash and Fitness Centre, the club now has more than 600 members and holds training sessions in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby, Leeds, Collingham, Tadcaster and surrounding areas.
Janet said:
When I took my first class a decade ago, I didn’t envisage the club would become the success story it is today. It is one of the most popular karate clubs in the district and I believe this success is down to the fact we appeal to families
Some of those who came to my first class are still with me which speaks volumes. They have reached 4th Dan grade and now assist me with teaching junior grades.
The anniversary celebration was a chance for members to come together and have a fun afternoon. They were able to show off the skills they have learned and acquire a few more.
The martial art taught by Janet is Kong Sudo, which is a Korean form of karate. Nationally, there are just short of 1,000 Johnson’s Kong Sudo students with more than 600 in Yorkshire alone.
Janet, who is one of only three Kong Sudo 5th Dans in the country, added:
It was a very successful and enjoyable afternoon which attracted a number of visitors. We must have impressed them as some have now become members. We also managed to raise £397 for Martin House Hospice.
Winners! Master Janet McKenna with tournament winners Kyle MacArthur and Edward Smith
Further details about Johnson’s Family Karate classes are available by contacting Janet McKenna on 0113 815 1192 or by visiting the website at www.johnsonskarate.com
