The 45th British Open (karate) took place over the weekend in the K2 Sports Center in Crawley, West Sussex.
Ireland was represented by 13 fighters, including 11 from IFK Ireland and two from Oyama Karate Ireland.
Kenkyo Kyokushin Karate Dojo in Portlaoise had an outstanding seven representatives: Sophie Cahill, Arunas Merikininkas, Nedas Merikininkas, Ákos Nagy, Ben Ging, Antoni Calka, and Tomasz Calka.
The Portlaoise Dojo put in an incredible performance, finishing with four podium places:
- 1st place – Antoni Calka – Boys U16 under 70kg
- 1st place – Ben Ging – Boys U14 under 55kg
- 2nd place – Sophie Cahill – Girls U14 under 50kg
- 3rd place – Tomasz Calka – Boys U14 over 55kg.
“I am so proud of all my students fighters from Portlaoise Dojo,” said Sensei Bartosz Calka.
“As an instructor I couldn’t even imagine a better attitude from all the fighters and the final results were amazing.
“These are great achievements for Portlaoise Kenkyo Dojo and the fighters themselves.
“Both me and the fighters know just how much effort, dedication and sacrifices everyone had to make to get ready for this tournament.
“And each of them showed clear improvement and a true fighting spirit.
“Unfortunately Ákos, Arunas and Nedas lost their fights in first round – they all fought well and showed their strength and heart on the tatami but it just wasn’t enough this time.
“As tough as it is, it happens to the best of us. All we can do is say ‘osu’ and move on.
“It is another experience, another lesson to learn from and who knows it might be useful on the mat next time.
“Well done to the whole Irish Team, National Coaches and Congratulations to all the Fighters.
“A big thanks to all the parents that came to support their kids and of course a huge thanks to all that made this tournament possible.”
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