THE Goju Ryu Karate Do academy held its regional annual tournament with around 600 people in attendance at the Montem Leisure Centre on Saturday.

The various classes are taught by Goju Ryu Third Dan instructors Sensei Aamar Rajpoot, Sensei Arum Malhan and Sensei Ahmer Rajpoot.

Children, teenagers and adults are amongst the regular attendees of the classes.

The tournament gives families and friends the chance to watch and support students compete throughout the day.

The youngest student competing was four-years-old and the eldest on the day was 62.

The tournament gives students the chance to win first, second and third place trophies in two categories; Kata and Kumite. Kata is a set system of individual training exercises which help improve hand-eye coordination along with enhancing self-discipline and techniques. Kumite is freestyle fighting.

The students are put into groups a few weeks prior to the tournament and given time slots for their categories. Judges are assigned to an area to assess the students competing on the day.

Sensei Aamar Rajpoot said: “We had up to 250 students take part in our annual tournament. Our winners were from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and throughout London.

“These tournaments are organised for students to participate and showcase their skills to parents and others as well as boosting their confidence.

“This was a very special day as it will be our last tournament in the current Montem Leisure Centre, where we’ve been training for 25 years.

“We’re looking forward to moving to the new leisure centre next week.

“I would also like to thank everyone for helping on the day.”

For further information on our classes, areas and training days visit karateacademyuk.com.