Clubs triumph across Thames (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Clubs triumph across Thames

CHINGFORD and Wanstead Karate Clubs excelled themselves in collecting 20 medals and trophies in the South London Shotokan championships which were held at Lewisham recently.

In a competition that attracted clubs from all over London and the south of England, Chingford took the first three places in the junior individual sparring through Billy Merrifield, David Ives and Quintin Rubin respectively. Holly Sterling also won gold in the junior pre-arranged sparring. Chingford finished second in the ladies team event and third in the men's competition.

Instructor Rod Butler is now preparing members for next year's national championships in Birmingham and the Southern Region championships in Reading.

Competition is only one side of karate as a discipline -- tradition, self defence and fitness are all important in studying and enjoying traditional shotokan karate.

Beginners who are interested in karate can visit Rush Croft School in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, on a Tuesday or Thursday evening from 7.15pm onwards.

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