Biggleswade karate student is kicking on

Emma Houldsworth has gained her black belt in karate just days after she won a national championship in the discipline.

The Stratton Upper School student, who lives in Clover Close, Biggleswade defeated a 31-year-old university student to clinch the victory in the tournament at Gamlingay Village College.

Emma has been taking karate lessons with Actikarate for the last six years, originally at Dunton Lower School and more recently at Everton Village Hall.

Actikarate coach Frank Nezhadpournia said: “What Emma has achieved is absolutely fantastic.

“Since she started with us six years ago she has shown nothing but hard work, determination and self-discipline which have served her so well. She is a real credit to Actikarate and to karate as well.”

Frank, of Shortmead Street, Biggleswade – who has written five books on karate – was particularly impressed with Emma’s performance in the tournament.

He added: “Every year we hold the national championships which include entrants from all over the country.

“This year we invited students from the University of Oxford and for Emma to have beaten their strongest candidate was brilliant.

“Emma is a 14-year-old girl and her opponent was a woman in her thirties so there was obviously a big difference in body strength and weight.”

Frank has also congratulated Emma on gaining the black belt after taking a tough three-hour examination.

He said: “The exam includes tests on different aspects of karate including moves and the theory side as well.

“Students are also asked to demonstrate their knowledge of kata, which are detailed patterns of movement which can include up to 47 moves.”

Frank has also congratulated fellow student Jon Ratstrick who has also gained his black belt.