STUDENTS from the Reading-based Su-Ha-Ri Karate School impressed during the WIKF World Karate Championships in Curacao.

In the Kata, the school’s instructor Kevin McAuslan-Crine claimed gold in the men’s over 35 years category, while there were also first-place finishes for Abigail Gray in the girls’ 14-15year-olds and Jacob Fairhead in the boys’ 12-13s.

Terry Brigdale secured the silver medal in the men’s competition, with Veronica Gray managing the same in the ladies’ 35+.

The following day saw the fighting events, where Lucas Spiers won four encounters to become world champion in the 12-13s +57kg category.

Anthony Parmar grabbed a bronze medal in the boys’ 12-13s, -52kg category, with Sibi Kumara doing the same in the boys’ 14-15s -52kg category.

Jim Feighery-Murphy also scooped a bronze in the men’s heavyweight division after a narrow 8-7 loss in the semi finals.

Brigdale enjoyed more medal success, first taking bronze in the men’s -84kg and then another bronze in the men’s Openweight.

Finally, McAuslan-Crine claimed his second gold of the tournament in the men’s over 35 years +75kg category.

On the final day of the event, Parmar, Fairhead and Spiers added their age group world title to their European victory of two years ago in the three-man team event. Brigdale teamed up with London’s Joe Kellaway and Gavin Bailey for the men’s team, edging out USA in the final.

Bailey was beaten, but Brigdale then gave his best performance and destroyed his opponent 11-2, before a similar massacre by Kellaway ensured glory.

Overall, England took 16 golds, 13 silvers and eight bronzes, finishing top out of 14 countries.

Coach McAuslan-Crine commented: “I think this is our best performance ever in a World Championships, with every single competitor receiving a medal. Everyone either won or lost to the winner. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Su-Ha-Ri Karate School train at Tyndale Baptist Church on Mondays from 6:15-7:15pm, and at Willink Leisure Centre on Thursdays from 6-7pm.

For more information, contact McAuslan-Crine on 07787 860124 or visit www.su-ha-ri.co.uk