World champion gives lesson to karate ‘kids’

2:38pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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One of the biggest names in world karate visited the region when England Coach and nine-time world karate champion Wayne Otto, OBE, led a Cross Hills course organised by the Olympik Dream Gym.

Between 1988 and 2001 Otto dominated the world of karate and led a team of fighters, including Silsden's Paul Newby, that took Great Britain from also-rans to champions of the world.

Newby said: "It was a huge honour to see the great man in action if only as a coach on this occasion."

The course was attended by more than 140 people from as far afield as Cowdenbeath, Scotland.

Fighters as young as five and as old as 52 enjoyed the two coaching clinics held at South Craven School and the range of abilities was just as wide with complete novices to internationals taking part.

Newby, head coach and former world champion said: "It was such a great experience for everyone just to be on the same mat as Wayne. He is an inspirational figure and unless you are on an international squad it is unlikely that you would have the privilege to work with a sporting legend like this."

For some of the region's young elite fighters it was an opportunity to remind the current England coach that there is a wealth of fighting talent in the area.

Rob Fuller of Riddlesden was one such to benefit: "This was a great climax to our preparation to the AMA British Championships in Sheffield. I was lucky enough to have some time individually with the great man and his speed, power and control just illustrates some of what is going to be required to progress to the higher echelons of the sport on the national and international stage."

Twelve-year-old Howard Evans from Cross Hills is new to the sport of karate and had a very special moment to take away with him, saying: "I had great fun on the day and learnt a lot but the best part was when Wayne came and sparred with me."

This course was just one of the events featuring world class fighting sports coaches that are coming up over the summer to support the forthcoming opening of the Boxing, Martial Arts and Strength Sports Centre in Cross Hills. For more information you can visit olympikdream.co.uk or ring Paul Newby direct on 07845 046542.