VALE FIND GREAT SUCCESS AT UK OPEN

Vale Karate took only a small squad the UK Open in Harlow on Sunday 24th Sept, but emerged with impressive results in both Kata and Kumite!
Brad James took the Special Needs Kata gold medal, continuing his winning streak which he carried over from the WKL.

Sarah Morgan has entered two WKLs this season, winning both the Ladies and Ladies Veteran golds in both! The UK Open was her first foray outside the WKL for some years, but she took Vale Karate's second gold of the day in the Ladies Veteran Kata. Vale's double WUKF European Champion Chiara Baker was also on form to take the 10-13 Girls Advanced Kata gold medal.

The Kumite events started with impressive displays by Elle-Mai Lee who came within a whisker of taking another gold, in the Girls 7-9 Kumite, settling in the end for a silver. Alysha Lee and Lauren Moran both reached the last four of the girls 13-14 advanced kumite, with Lauren taking the bronze medal and Alysha going all the way, taking the gold medal. Finally Josh Davies contested the 15-17 Boys Kumite and back to winning ways took Vale's fifth gold medal of the day. Fine performances from Mayzi Lee, Talia Efstathiou, Heidi Randall-Sidaway, Amelie Fisher and Greg James, but they were unable to add to the tally on this occasion. Many thanks must go to our coach Leah, who couldn't have been prouder of our great squad!

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VALE KARATE EXTEND THEIR LEAD AT WKL III

The Vale Karate Squad had another successful day on Sunday September 10th as Penarth was the venue for WKL III.

The Vale Squad were once again top of the medal table, with 10 Golds, 5 silvers and 11 Bronzes won, extending their lead on the overall medal table. Vale now have 27 Golds, 21 silvers and 30 bronzes, 8 golds ahead of ESKU/GKR and thirteen ahead of the WKU and Kansei who are both on 14 golds just ahead of SSKA on 13.
Well done to all who competed, whether medals were won or not. The next WKL is in Neath on the 29th October.

Gold Medals:
Bradley James,
Chiara, Ella & Ellie Jayne (Vale Cheetahs)
Angel Manayani,
Amelie Fisher,
Ellie-Jayne Farrugia,
Chiara Baker,
Danica Apologista,
Josh Davies,
Sarah Morgan (x2)

Silver Medals:
Connor Ashill,
Lucas Widdrington,
Jakob Bartush,
Elle-Mai Lee,
Chiara Baker 

Bronze medals:
Mark & Ella,
Danica Apologista,
Jack Eustace,
Talia Efstathiou,
Lloyd Beer,
Ella Lyons,
Ellie-Jayne Farrugia,
Amy Curry,
Alysha Lee,
Lauren moran,
Jack, Lloyd & Elle-Mai (Vale U10s)

LEAH HONOURED TO CARRY THE BATON!

Vale Karate Instructor and Welsh Number one Leah Copeland was thrilled to be invited to be a 'Queen's Baton Bearer' at the Commonwealth Baton Relay, which took place at Barry Island on Tuesday September 5th.

Leah joined other local celebrities and sporting such as champion boxer Lee Selby, Olympic Champion sailor Hannah Mills and News presenter Lucy Owen who took part in the event, which was part of the Batons 230,000km journey across the Commonwealth before reaching the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 4th April 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.

The Baton Bearer's were selected as ambassadors of their community and Vale Karate could not be prouder of Leah, a great role model for all young children, and all Vale Karate and Karate Wales students.

LEAH TAKES THE DOUBLE AS VALE EARN FIVE GOLDS AT KARATE WALES OPEN

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!