MEMBERS from the Dereham Shotokan Karate Club travelled to Ipswich on Sunday for the East of England Karate Cham-pionships.From over 300 competitors Dereham TSKR took home three first-place trophies.

MEMBERS from the Dereham Shotokan Karate Club travelled to Ipswich on Sunday for the East of England Karate Cham-pionships.

From over 300 competitors Dereham TSKR took home three first-place trophies.

Iain Paterson was first in Junior Kata (Forms), Gaynor Wagg was first Senior Female Kata, Mario Moutinho first in Men's Kumite (Sparring).

Hannah Coole, a first-timer to the competition scene, gained a well-deserved fifth place in Junior Kata, just missing out on a medal by a few points.

Traditional Shotokan Karate Ryu (TSKR) is under the instruction of national coach and examiner Terry Wittkopp 4th degree Black Belt.

He currently trains with the England squad, with some of the best competitors in the UK.

Wittkopp said: 'I have been gaining some valuable experience whilst training with the squad and I always enjoy passing on the skills to TSKR members, and it seems to be paying off.

'I am very proud of them and they are well deserved trophies.'

Darren Webster 2nd Dan assistant coach, says that all students performed really well, considering most were on their first outing in competition and handled the pressure very well.

Competition improves confidence and they will improve each time they compete.

TSKR has some really good karate students and it is planned to channel these individuals into national and international events and possibly make the England squad.

TSKR have many more competitions coming up this year and hope to improve on their recent success with more silverware.

Dereham Club trains four times a week at the leisure centre, with additional sessions in Swaffham, Watton and Fakenham.

TSKR are currently looking for new members to join the clubs and are offering a free trial lesson at any of the clubs with a month's free insurance.

Call 01362 652855 or see more on the website www.tskr.co.uk