With karate hoping to be introduced into the 2020 Olympics, Yorkshire could have more sporting heroes in years to come, writes Dale Harris.

Fighters of the British Goshin-Kai club, in South Milford, showed there could be a bright future ahead following their participation at the English Karate Federation’s National KYU Grade Championships.

The Yorkshire youngsters took on fighters from across the country at the Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield.

Among the fighters competing for the BGK were ten-year-olds Sam Perrin and Lewis Lee, as well as eight-year-old Ellis Wilmore and debutant William Hyde.

Wilmore made it through to the last eight while Perrin and Lee both reached the semi-finals of their competition finishing joint third.

Club founder Sensei Steve Jones said of the semi finalists: “I’m amazingly proud of both of them.

“I was punching the air, it was fantastic.

“I’m really impressed with both of them and they are really good prospects for the future.”

The fights last for one and a half minutes, the referee stops the clock to award points or to give warnings. One point is awarded for each punch, two for kicks to the body and three for kicks to the head.

All contact must be controlled and injuring an opponent is penalised.

To join or train with the British Goshin-Kai squad, training times for adults and children in South Milford and Pontefract are available by emailing goshin-kai@hotmail.co.uk or phoning Steve Jones on 07827 587260.