Members of Haxby Shotokan Karate Club are celebrating after their chief instructor, Mike Gude, was made Older People’s Sport and Physical Activity Champion by City of York Council as part of their York Gold 2012 celebrations.

Mike has been teaching karate at the club for nearly 20 years and, along with Ian Shaw who founded the club in 1981, was nominated by club committee members for the award.

Club chairman Jim Bamford said: “Both Mike and Ian are totally dedicated to the club. They refuse payment for their instruction and have used their own funds to support the club during difficult times to ensure the club’s survival.

“At 63 Mike proves that age is no barrier when you are involved in an activity and a club that you truly care and are passionate about. Mike is more than capable of outperforming people that are less than half his age. The entire club is very proud of both Mike and Ian for their dedication to both karate and the club.”

For more information about the club, visit haxbykarate.co.uk or phone 0758 324 9115