Find local news in Kent

Home   Ashford   Sport   Article

Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai celebrating triple success with title wins for Joshua Varrier-Smith, Ethan Miller and Suzanne Purhonen at the BKK British & European Open

05:00, 05 November 2024

Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai have not one - but three British champions.

The club competed at the 46th BKK British & European Open at K2 Leisure Centre, Crawley - an event featuring more than 500 fighters from 24 countries, including the USA, Canada and Switzerland, with 52 clubs participating.

Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai's Joshua Varrier-Smith with his trophy on the top step of the podium after winning the British novice men's heavyweight championship at the BKK British and European Open
Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai's Joshua Varrier-Smith with his trophy on the top step of the podium after winning the British novice men's heavyweight championship at the BKK British and European Open

Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai entered 11 fighters - 10 in the British Open and one in the European - achieving outstanding results.

Joshua Varrier-Smith won the British novice men’s heavyweight title, Sempai Ethan Miller was crowned novice men’s lightweight champion and Suzanne Purhonen won the novice women’s lightweight competition.

In addition, Sempai Luke Bilham and Tom Fox secured joint bronze in the novice men’s lightweight category.

Tia Nayer earned bronze in the under-16 girls’ (-55kg) division and Oliver Javorsky brought home bronze in the under-12 boys’ (-35kg) category.

Suzanne Purhonen, right, was crowned British novice women's lightweight champion at the K2 in Crawley
Suzanne Purhonen, right, was crowned British novice women's lightweight champion at the K2 in Crawley

Despite not regularly competing in open tournaments, the club ranked among the top 10 out of the 52 clubs - a tremendous achievement.

Their success also extended to a recent inter-club tournament in Tenterden, where clubs from across the UK, including Wales and Scotland, gathered.

Ashford Karate Jutsu Kai proudly took home 19 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals, further showcasing the dedication and talent of their students.

The club are currently running beginners’ courses for both kickboxing and karate. For more information visit karatejutsukai.com/dojo/ashford

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More