World Champions Today, Olympic Champions Tomorrow? A North Yorkshire karate studio, The Karate Dojo Ripon, which produced four bronze medallists at the recent 9th World Shotokan Karate Championships is on target to produce Olympians in 2020 – in Japan. The medallists – all Black Belts – the youngest of which is only 11, live in the Ripon area and have been trained from the age of five by Ady Gray, 6th Dan and a finalist in the National Children’s Coach of the Year competition. He is also the England Squad coach for WSF England (World Shotokan Federation). On his return from the competition in Istanbul, Turkey, he said: “I cannot describe the pride I feel in these young people. They are disciplined, focused, committed and under pressure, show courtesy and respect for competitors with full regard to dojo etiquette. “Karate is for life, not just for the dojo. We train for character and spirit, as well as skill at The Karate Dojo. “Since we opened our new studio, above Yorkshire Trading in Ripon, we have gone from strength to strength, thanks to support from the city for more than 20 years. Most major karate studios are based in large cities and have a huge pool of potential students. I am proud to say our students have put Ripon on the map, for producing the highest achieving Olympians, such as Jack Laugher – and potential ones in our students” Jake Hansen, 11, Ethan Denny,12, and Brooke Porter,13, won bronze for their perfectly synchronised fighting sequences, known as ‘Kata’. Georgia Robson, 19, a 2nd Dan and professional carer, won her medal for her ‘Kumite’ performance. Ripon Mayor Councillor Pauline McHardy will present their certificates at The Karate Dojo in Ripon. Ady Gray said: “We have achieved this world level with no sponsorship. Our club have just done a sponsored event to raise money towards quick reaction light equipment and the squad who went to Turkey had to pay all expenses themselves. “We have fought for these medals, fought for karate to become an Olympic sport but I hope our incredible success brings us sponsorship for future competitions to ensure Ripon produces more Olympians” Contact Ady Gray admin@thekaratedojoripon