Loughton’s Jason Walton will represent England at the 42nd European Wado Kai Championships in Italy at the start of November.

The 44-year-old is the oldest member of England’s 12-man squad but the second dan competitor is excited about representing his country for the second time in the Kata category.

He said: “I was involved in the tournament last year and it was the first time I’ve been involved in a big competition like that.

“It’s exciting and I am looking forward to it. Hopefully the experience of last year will help me and that will mean I can fare better.

“I am training two or three times a week and am putting a lot of effort into it. It’s nice to represent your county and hopefully I can stay in the squad.”

The competition begins on November 1 in Milan. England’s squad is one of the smallest but Walton says that doesn’t mean they can’t have success.

He said: “There are countries like Hungary who have 60 people competing for them. Our squad is obviously a lot smaller but we won two silver medals last year so we can hopefully repeat that.”

Walton, who is a graphic designer, has a busy month ahead. He is preparing for the championships in addition to opening a Wado Kai karate club in Loughton.

The first sessions take place on Wednesday. The club welcomes new members and beginners and is open to all ages from six upwards.

Classes will take place on from 7pm to 8pm at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, in the drama hut.

For more information, contact Walton on 07971 672542 or visit www.loughtonwadokai.co.uk.