The 2017 Best Student Awards were presented by JKA England Mendip instructors, Julie Morgan and Andy Forster recently. The Best Student trophies are awarded for good etiquette, spirit and attitude.

The decision this year was, as usual, extremely tough, with the high calibre of students coming through the ranks. The 2017 winners, Matthew and Poppy, have also shown excellent commitment and superb skill in their training and grading. The outstanding students practise their Karate at Chilcompton and Stratton-on-the-Fosse village halls.

The three yellow belts, Logan, Devon and Harry, were Highly Commended and awarded certificates and medals for their excellent efforts. One of the students, Dexter, has been working really hard to improve his kata, (form), so in recognition of his effort, he also received a medal and certificate.

Mendip Instructors, Julie and Andy, are very proud of all the hard work the students have put in over the year and know they will all continue to give their best in 2018.

Shotokan Karate is one of the most widely practised forms of karate in the world today, and one of the most traditional. Introduced to Japan from Okinawa by Supreme Master Funakoshi Gichin, Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques.

Karate is a form of unarmed combat, employing a wide range of punching and kicking techniques. There are no weapons involved in practising karate and the term ‘karate’ literally means ‘empty hand’, where only hands and feet are used for blocking and striking.

Mendip SKC welcomes new members, aged from six years. Anyone is welcome to come along and have a try; the only requirement being: respect for others and a willingness to give one’s best.

Training takes place at Chilcompton and Stratton on the Fosse village halls, also at Writhlington Sports Centre. For more information, please contact Julie on: 07709 875864, Andy on: 07803 095208, or visit: www.mendipshotokan.co.uk