We are all very proud of Lea G for qualifying to join the Youth England Kata Squad and she has written this piece about her journey.
I started Karate at the age of 5 and have been doing it for 4.5 years. It quickly became my passion and for 3 years now I have been training 3 to 4 times a week. Two years ago, I had the chance to meet Aimee Sell, the best senior English Kata Athlete (WKF World & European Medalist, England U21 National Kata Coach) at a seminar. She proposed to train me privately in addition of my club training.
After one year, she presented me to Jonathon Mottram (National Kata Coach, most ever medalled English Karateka).
I train at least twice at my club and at least twice a week with Sensei Jon. All this hard work really payed off and I have won a lot of medals in National and International Competitions
After several months, Sensei Jon asked me when I would turn 10 to be able to join the Youth English Kata Squad. So since the 21st October, the day of my first training with the squad, I am a member of the Youth England Kata Squad, trained by Sensei James Scalon, Coach of the Youth England Kata Squad. I cannot wait for the 26th November, the next training with the squad!
Go England!
Lea G