Martial Arts News (KKO) -Students from Ilkley’s Premiere Karate Club proved once again they had the golden touch at the 2005 British Open Karate Championships held at Ponds Forge Sports Centre in Sheffield.

The Ilkley Club run by chief instructor Mark Outterside (5th Dan) and his assistants Billy Kerr (2nd Dan) and Simon Holden (2nd Dan) came away with a staggering 5 first place, 3-second place trophies and four third places.

The standard set was high as in previous years and the rewarding results for Ilkley were the best to date from this tournament almost doubling last years trophy haul.

The competition was extremely successful, with participants and spectators travelling from all over the UK to take part.

Nine year old Emily Kerr started the avalanche of awards, battling through some tough rounds in the girls under 10 years senior grade kumite (free fighting) event.

The second title of the day went to Calum Kerr (10) who won first place in the boys senior grade under 35kg kumite (free fighting) event with hardly a point scored against him in all his bouts.

In the under twelves senior grade free-fighting event William Coates (10) had to settle for third place after cruising through the elimination rounds in a very competitive category.

Sam Finister (13) who has recently restarted after a two year break won first place in the boys junior grade over 50kg free fighting event.

It was an all Ilkley final in the boy’s junior grade over 55kg kumite event. Battling it out for the second year running were Sam Stinton and James Buck. Sam took the title to add to his National title earlier this year. James took a well deserved second place.

Up and coming star Tashina Earle showed what a true champion she is, as she took the first place honours in the girls senior grade over 45kg kumite event. Tashina has now won a trophy or medal in every competition entered in the past three years and these have usually been first places.

Black belt Maria Corless came second in the girls senior grade over 40kg after storming through the eliminations rounds.

Frankie Johnston (12) also put in a good performance in the girls senior grade under 40kg kumite event, unfortunately she had to settle for third place as she was unable to continue due to any injury sustained in an earlier bout.

England team member Tyrone Abraham (12) was back in form as he took third place honours in the boys senior grade over 50kg category. Tyrone was narrowly beaten in the semi-final by the eventual winner.

Daniel Todd came second in the Men’s under 65kg junior grade kumite event making a promising debut.

To complete the overall tally Andy Stakes managed another win for Ilkley by winning a third place trophy in the Men’s junior grade under 75kg kumite event.

The club is now looking forward to the kata and team championships as well as the world club championships in November.

For details of classes at the Ilkley’s longest running martial arts club contact Mark Outterside on 01943 601297 or visit the club website at www.ilkleykarate.co.uk.