LOCAL karate ace Amy Adair has returned from Buenos Aires armed with a first-ever world medal in kumite (sparring).
The Conlig woman won the title at the IKU World Karate Championships which were held in the Argentinian capital at the end of October.
Amy was selected months ago to represent Karate Northern Ireland at this prestigious event and did not disappoint. Additionally, she just missed out on collecting a second medal in her Ippon Kumite category.
Reflecting on her achievement, Amy, a member of the Mizukara clubs in Newtownards and Bangor, said: “This was my best result at world level to date.
“I have been training hard and competing on the international circuit since my last world championships, the WUKF event in Dundee last year, and am really pleased with my progress.”
Amy’s coach, David Brashaw added: “This is a superb result for Amy. Her training with both the Northern Ireland and Irish squads, plus the number of international competitions she has committed to over the last year, is testament to her dedication and aims.
“All of our members are inspired by and delighted for her. Amy’s achievement is even more impressive given that most other country’s athletes are well-funded by their own governments.
“Here in Northern Ireland, we receive nothing. Amy paid for most of this trip herself, and received some kindly donated extra support from a Go Fund me page that she set up.”
Next up for the Mizukara karate students are the Karate Ireland National Championships on November 24. This is followed by the visit of Sensei Ian Cuthbert, Director of Kumite for Karate England on December 8 before the clubs’ 13th anniversary celebratory dinner that same evening.
All former students of the Carnalea Wado Kai clubs are very welcome and are encouraged to attend the celebrations.
For more information about Karate, plyometric fitness and self-defence classes or Tai Chi for adults, contact David on 07760 337578 or visit: www.mizukara.co.uk.
- Amy Adair from Conlig who won gold at the IKU World Karate Championships.
- Amy alongside her fellow international competitors in Argentina.
