An east coast karate club is celebrating success after eight of its members scooped European medal success.

Phoenix Karate School sent eight members to the WUKF European Karate Championships in Italy.

The team members, most aged between eight and 14, took part in several competitions in kata and kumite sections over four days and won a total of five gold medals, three silver medals and six bronze medals.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Members of Phoenix Karate School scooped a medal haul in ItalyMembers of Phoenix Karate School scooped a medal haul in Italy (Image: Phoenix Karate School)

The school, which runs classes in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft area, teamed up with the Kenshin Karate Organisation to send a 40-strong team to Italy in what it called "one of the toughest championships of the year." 

Vivianne Trorey, 5th dan instructor, from the club, said: "We sent a squad of top competitors to the WUKF European Karate Championship in Italy to face some of the best opponents from 21 other countries.

"With 1,852 competitors, the chances of any success would be challenging, but Phoenix won through and returned home with 14 medals.

"The eight team members, Ted (8), Leo (9), Billy (15), Cory (15), Ollie (15), William (12), Kashia (10) and Samantha, took part in a variety of events including kata (training form) and kumite (fighting) over the four-day competition and won through with five gold, three silver and six bronze medals between them.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Club members celebrate medal successClub members celebrate medal success (Image: Phoenix Karate School)

"With live feeds streaming worldwide, students from the club were able to cheer them on from the UK with many messages of support being shared over group chats."

Now back home, the squad is busy preparing for the world championships being held in Dundee, Scotland in July next year.

With European success behind them and plenty more training to go, they are hopeful that they can deliver another major medal haul again.

Great Yarmouth Mercury:

Phoenix Karate School runs classes at North Denes Primary School in Great Yarmouth, the East Anglian Martial Arts Centre at Oulton Broad, Martham Village Hall, Hopton Village Hall, Cliff Park Primary School in Gorleston and Denes Ormiston Academy Lowestoft.

The club always welcomes new members.

Anybody that is interested can find details at their website at www.phoenixkarateschools.com or call 01502 730 171.