Katinka Takes Bronze
Level 2 Sport Student, Katinka Ernst, came third last week at the Swedish Open International Karate Tournament. Katinka travelled to Sweden for the week to compete in the 2 day competition where she came in the top three out of fifteen in the 16-17yrs category. Over 800 competitors attended the event from all over the world, coming from places even as far as Japan.
Four competitors including Katinka, came from the Barking Abbey Ishimryu Club where she trains in London. All three of her fellow club-members gained gold in the event, including Katinka’s own trainer. Katinka explains, “It was a really great experience because it was my first international competition. It was good to see such a range of abilities and some of the more experienced competitors. I feel a lot more confident about my own abilities.”
Having started learning Karate over 3 years ago, Katinka has worked her way through the initial 10 belts and is now a First Dan. She explains how she has really enjoyed her learning so far and is looking forward to reaching her full potential in the sport. “I’d quite like to go in to sports physiotherapy, training or nutrition after college but I am still keeping my options open at the moment.”
Katinka’s success outside college has offered her fellow classmates the opportunity to share something that has clearly taken a great deal of discipline to learn and is exciting to behold. Her tutor Mike Griffin comments, “We’re all really proud of Katinka, she is a great asset to the group and has done fantastically.”
