BUDO Kyokushin Karate Club's Darren Stringer was crowned the 2014 World Kata Champion representing Great Britain at the IFK World Kata Tournament in Belgium held on March 15.
The event, held every four years, accepts only four members for each category - men's, women's, girls and boys. The competition also allows two more teams made up from these individuals.
In the first round Stringer took a narrow 0.1 margin lead over his Russian opponent, but went through with a strong position in the following round. Stringer performed sushi ho, with a score of 22.7, a clear margin over his nearest rival.
The final saw the Russian compete first putting in a solid performance of 22.5 with Stringer up in fourth. Stringer had a solid kata with good change of pace, balance and power.
Stringer took the final and the 2014 World Kata championship convincingly making it three wins. His previous victories were in 2003 and 2010.
Anil Tailor also competed but failed to build on his previous attempt in the tournament in 2010 missing out on a place in the next round. He is now concentrating on next year's national event. For more information please email on stringerd1@hotmail.co.uk.
