Members of Dundee’s Kanzen Karate club dominated the European Championships in Romania ahead of the arrival of the sport’s World Championships in the City of Discovery.
Four gold medals were claimed by Kanzen fighters during the four day event.
Twenty six athletes from the Dundee-based club competed in the competition, claiming a haul of 11 medals in total.
After the event came to a close, chief instructor Roy O’Kane took part in the closing ceremony and received the sport’s international flag ahead of next year’s world championships in Dundee.
In the aftermath of his student’s success, a proud Roy said: “The team have been absolutely outstanding and we are very proud of them.
“They keep on delivering for themselves, for the club and Dundee.
“We had several members competing at this level for the first time and they were all great.
“We are beating nations who have in excess of 30,000 people to select from and we are selecting from 450 so we are literally punching and kicking above our weight.”
Delighted with his club’s success, Roy is now relishing the visit of the best fighters in the world to the City of Discovery.
He said: “I was very humbled and honoured to take part in the closing ceremony and accept the international flag on behalf of Scotland.
“Everyone was talking about how much they are looking forward to visiting Dundee and Scotland next June.
“2500 athletes and thousands of coaches, officials and spectators coming to our city is a huge task but we are confident that Dundee can deliver this event.
“I’m sure Dundonians will welcome the international karate world with open arms.”
Kanzen Karate operates classes six days a week from their facility in Dundee’s Manhattan Works
For more information, please visit www.kanzenkarate.net
