Hemel club with national link

Coach Patrik Visnovsky, far right, with some of the UK team in Romania.

The national England karate team in the Goju-Ryu style, which has its main club in Hemel Hempstead, has had a successful period with lots of medal-winning events .

Many of the team’s junior squad members attend karate classes at Hertfordshire Karate Academy, based at Adeyfield School in Hemel Hempstead.

At the World Championships recently, the squad took home six medals, including two golds.

The karate academy is a family club for all ages (four-plus) who wish to improve their confidence, discipline, co-ordination – or simply have fun and socialise with other like-minded children and parents while keeping fit and learning practical self-defence.

Some of the UK team at the World Championships in Romania.

The academy also provides a platform for those who wish to compete at national and international tournaments.

National coach Sensei Patrik Visnovsky and chief instructor Shihan Ben Craft give their knowledge and experience to the youngsters to help them to develop their skills.

Visnovsky said: “We grow from strength to strength.

“The national squad team has big expectations for this year’s European Championship, which will take place in Portugal, and for the next World Championships in Malaysia. Our door is open to everyone.”

Hertfordshire Karate Academys Alex Kaymakanov holding his gold medal as a new world champion in Romania, alongside his coach Patrik Visnovsky.

Youngster Alex Kaymakanov is one of the Hemel club’s world champions, taking home a gold medal at the World Championships in Romania.

For more details about the club, email [email protected].