The 3rd Karate Wales Open was widely acclaimed to be an unbridled success!

600 competitors from all over England, Ireland and of course Wales took to the six mats and throughout the day showed Karate of a high standard and in the opinion of many, the whole event was the best organised big Karate event ever held in Wales.

Held at Merthyr Leisure Centre, Karate Wales' favourite venue, the whole event will be looked back on as a benchmark for Karate in Wales.

Young Bradley James continued the form he shows at the WKL events, winning Vale's first gold medal of the day, in the Under 16 Para & Special Kata.
Connor Ashill was 2nd with Jared butcher and Lucas Widdringtion in Bronze medal position.

Lloyd Beer picked up a silver in the 5-8 Boys Kata (later going on to win another silver in the 6-8 boys Kumite) before Gregory James took Vale's second gold with victory in the 9-10 Boys kata.

Another Welsh title was soon won as Amelie Fisher took gold in the Girls 5-8 Girls kata. Elle-Mai Lee took bronze in this event, Elle-Mai then also won a bronze in the Girls 6-8 Kumite event.

Talia Efstathiou was in the tough 9-10 Girls Kata, but nevertheless took the bronze medal.

Josh Davies is a top quality competitor, however it wasn't his day and a silver medal was won.

Finally Leah Copeland wasn't to be denied in either Kata or kumite, winning two gold medals to finish off a good day for her, a reasonably good day for Vale and a terrific day for Karate Wales!