THE superb new sports centre at the newly rebuilt Joseph Rowntree School recently played host to the York Karate Academy and York Kenshinkan Club’s summer karate course and grading examinations.

More than 80 students trained under Japanese master Yoshinobu Ohta, seventh Dan, in an exhaustive three-hour session before 48 undertook an exacting 90-minute karate examination.

YKA senior instructor Paul Mendham said: “I and Ian Tate (Kenshinkan instructor) travel all over Great Britain to take instruction from Sensei Ohta, so it’s great when we can actually get him up to York.

“These courses are a great way for students from different clubs to train together in a friendly but competitive way.”

Both clubs have strong junior sections, with boys and girls ranging between the ages of seven and 15.

Mum Ann Jarvis, whose son Sam has just been promoted to brown belt, said: “Sam’s really gained in confidence over the last two years due to the discipline and concentration needed with karate and I have seen a very positive young man emerge.”

Another proud mum, Debbie Massey, explained how her daughter Elizabeth started training at Headlands under Paul Mendham. She has since graduated to training at the Academy, where: “She is regularly asked to demonstrate techniques to the class and loves to spar against the bigger boys and girls.”

York Karate Academy train at Park Grove School each Monday and Thursday from 7pm to 8.30pm for men, women and children, while York Kenshinkan train at Canon Lee School every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm to 9pm again open to adults and children.

Both clubs are offering a special all-summer training course for beginners throughout the school holidays.

For Clifton, Rawcliffe, Leeman Road and Poppleton areas phone Tate on 07946 472805 and for Huntington, Heworth, Strensall and New Earswick areas phone Mendham on 07930 853555.