YOUNGSTERS from Bishopthorpe’s Kaisho Karate Club bagged two medals at the Wado International Karate-Do Federation (WIKF) World Championships in Surrey.

Angus Gibby, 11, was part of the England ‘A’ team fighting squad that defeated favourites Sweden 2-1 to earn a gold medal.

Gibby had competed earlier in the individual fighting competition but had narrowly missed out on making the semi-finals in a tussle with the eventual silver medallist.

Jacob Mortimer, aged ten, was selected for the England ‘B’ fighting squad and helped England win 2-1 against the Netherlands to take bronze.

Jack Scott, 12, also represented England in the highly competitive under-14s category, though the team narrowly missed a podium place.

This was the first time that the boys from Bishopthorpe had been selected to join the England squad, which tends to be dominated by larger clubs around the London and Midlands areas.

The England squad went on to secure second place in the overall medals table behind Denmark.

Gibby, Mortimer, and Scott are trained at the Kaisho Karate Club by Sensei Brian Williams, 5th Dan.

Williams said: “Not only was it a great honour for the boys to be selected to represent England – it was a thrilling experience which they will never forget.

“Congratulations from all the students and instructors at Kaisho Karate Club. This is an outstanding achievement.”

If anyone is interested in taking up Wado Karate-Do they should phone Sensei Williams on 01904 701931 or email him at bwilliams5251@yahoo.co.uk