POCKLINGTON Karate Centre's Oliver Willison bagged a bronze medal in the Shotokan Kata at the WTKA United World competition.

Willison was selected for the England squad at the global event in Tuscany, Italy, after winning the WTKA European Championship in July.

As well as finishing third in the Shotokan Kata, Willison finished fifth in the all styles Kata section and narrowly missed out on progressing in the Kumite competition.

Willison said: "I was pleased with my performance. Everyone competing is very good. They are all their country's best and to achieve a fifth and a third, I am over the moon.

"Being able to stand on the podium at a world event has been a dream for a long time. I have learned a lot and hopefully can start to put in the work for qualification next year."

The Kumite was Willison's opening event of the competition. Up against a member of the Italian team, he started off well and dominated his opponent unit the last 30 seconds, losing out by half a point.

Next up was the over-19 Shotokan Kata black belt section, with a points-based scoring system reducing the number of competitors through the rounds.

Willison performed Kankusho in the first round and Unsu in the second to tie for third and fourth place.

Again, he performed Unsu to be ranked third heading into the finals, where some good Kata scores earned him the bronze medal.

Willison came through the first two rounds of the all styles Kata and was tied for fourth with two other competitors. The scoring system meant he finished in a tie for fifth place.

Pocklington Karate Centre have recently started Saturday classes and also offer training during the week.

Further information is available by phoning 07897 335959.