Karate medal haul for Burgess Hill Girls

Over 150 competitors, aged 5 to 55, competed at the annual Mid Sussex Renshinkan Karate tournament at The Triangle, Burgess Hill. The tournament included Kata (forms), Kobudo (weapons) and Kumite (free sparring).

Eleven girls represented Burgess Hill Girls claiming three individual titles and four individual bronze medals. Vanshika Koomar won gold in her first year in the Junior 8 – 9 age group Kata competition, Mirabelle Hogan and Sophie Brignall also took bronzes in this division. There was more individual success in the ‘Pee Wee’ 5 – 7 age group with Amber Mason and Rosalie Dempsey taking golds in the Kata and the novice competitions respectively. The final two bronzes were picked-up by Melissa Coleman and Amelie Worth in the Junior 12 – 14 age group Kumite competition. Charlotte Mason was runner-up in the Junior 8 – 9 age group plate competition. To complement the individual medal haul, the Burgess Hill Girls team was third in the inter dojo competition for the third year running.

The Leader of Renshinkan Karate England, Julia Turley 6th Dan, was very impressed with the performance by Burgess Hill Girls, “I am so happy to see Burgess Hill Girls do well, it was an outstanding performance from a small team. I am passionate about growing women’s and girls’ karate and I am sure the girls’ success will inspire others to give the sport a try.”

Burgess Hill Girls Head Liz Laybourn was also in attendance at the tournament, “It was thrilling to see our girls compete and win medals in a mixed sporting event. I cannot wait to see what they will do next!”