SIX OF THE BEST: Top fighters, from left, Michael Gude, Ian Shaw, John Gude, Martin Tucker, Alexandra Coleman and Michael Mullarkey. Not pictured is Steve Bland

A magnificent seven karate exponents from the Haxby, York and Selby Shotokan clubs are setting their sights on European glory after moving up a grade.

They were all successful at a special Christmas course with their chief instructor, eighth Dan Sadashigo Kato of the Japan Karate Association (Great Britain), near his adopted home town of Whitchurch in Shropshire.

Haxby club senior instructor Mike Gude was awarded his 4th Dan, his son John got his 1st Dan, Ian Shaw of Haxby was made a 3rd Dan, Alexandra Coleman (Haxby) a 1st Dan, Steve Bland (Selby) was awarded his 2nd Dan, while Martin Tucker and Michael Mullarkey, both of the York club, were made 1st Dan.

Mike Gude said that all the students were exhilarated by their achievements and their success was good preparation for the European Championships to be held in Hungary in July.

They are among numerous highly qualified karate exponents who belong to clubs in York and surrounding district who are likely to be in contention for places in the Great Britain squad to go to the championships.

"Our aim now is to concentrate on all our many students in each of the clubs to successfully achieve their gradings at another course to be held at Haxby in the near future," said Gude.

For those wishing to take up karate the training nights and venues at each club are:

Haxby on Mondays and Thursdays at Wigginton Recreation Hall.

York on Mondays and Wednesdays at Scarcroft School.

Selby on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Centre, Scott Road.

For further information ring Ian Shaw on York (01904) 769850.

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