A HATFIELD student has won a top title in the Freestyle Sport Karate Association British Open Grand Championship.
The win in the Men's Korean Patterns category is Stuart Wade's first since the World Championships in Florida last year.
And the 20-year-old 4th dan blackbelt freestyle taekwondo expert beat a world champion into second place to lift the title.
A delighted Wade explained: "The category that I won was a technical section, not sparring (fighting).
"It involves performing a set of traditional taekwondo techniques (collectively called a 'pattern') towards numerous imaginary opponents, in front of a panel of judges."
The Northumberland University Applied Sport and Exercise Science student was judged on technical ability, speed of technique, power, accuracy, and stances.
"It is a very technical and disciplined event, a parallel from another sport would perhaps be the floor discipline in artistic gymnastics," added Wade.
The tournament attracted martial artists from throughout the British Isles.
"Testing myself in competition on a national and international level on a regular basis gives me great focus and determination to be the best.
"I have won 16 British/British Open/UK titles, two European titles and one World title.
"I aim to achieve numerous world titles under as many governing bodies as possible."
Wade added: "With the continued financial support from my sponsor 'For Goodness Shakes' (www.forgoodnessshakes.com) I aim to continue to compete on the world stage."
In the coming months Wade, who trains at Premier Martial Arts in Armthorpe, will be competing in different tournaments to qualify for the Great Britain team to compete in European and World Championships towards the end of the year.
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Student of Hatfield scores high
