WOODFORD-based UKA Shikon Karate member Dan Cuthbert ret-urned from the European Karate Championships in Portugal with an impressive three bronze medals.

Already a four-time English champion, Cuthbert excelled on the international stage, scooping two team bronzes and one single medal in the men’s under 75kg category.

His karate ability runs in the family, as his father, Ian, is the national team coach and is himself a 6th Dan.

Another member of the Woodford club to come away with a medal was 52-year-old Les Carrigan-Smith, who won bronze in the veterans’ C class section for the first time.

The England team returned home with a total of 13 medals after the competition in Santarem.

Meanwhile, Leyton MSMA member Zaakir Adia was hailed a ‘giant slayer’ by his instructor Bill McLeod after he was awarded his cadet black belt, recently.

The 14-year-old, who has trained under instructor McLeod for almost six years, has built up a reputation for taking on, and beating, competitors much larger than himself.

“I call him the giant slayer because size really doesn’t matter for him,” said McLeod. “He’s very hard-working and enthusiastic. I don’t ever recall having a problem with him.”