Members from York and Tadcaster pitted their skills against each other in the Budokan Karate Clubs 2001 Championships at Park Grove School gymnasium.

The under 4ft 8in children's sparring event saw a repeat of last year's final with Arron Woodford narrowly out-pointing fellow York member Chris Metcalfe.

The over 4ft 8in children's sparring was a boy versus girl affair with Ben Sawyer securing victory over Kath Kingswood.

In the senior event, Andy Hudson improved on his runner-up place last season to become kumite champion.

A rib-crunching front kick by brown belt Hudson was one of the highlights as he beat Mark Hutchinson, who produced an excellent foot sweep/punch combination.

Trophies and medals were donated by Rawcliffe-based D&A Construction which allowed the club to donate £100 to the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.

Throughout the summer holidays the Budokan Club are offering a two for one beginners' course in which two members of a family can train together for the cost of one. For details contact the secretary on 01904 623624 or instructor Paul Mendham on 01904 692663.

Updated: 12:28 Tuesday, August 07, 2001