Karate Kid Update

Posted at 12:07 pm on 16th May, 2018

Flixton Girls School (FGS) year 8 student Ellie Costin has continued her pursuit of her Karate goals. Last November we reported on how her 3^rd Kyu (Brown Belt) required intensive training allowing her to compete at an International level. These competitions involve “Kata” performances that last between 90 seconds and 3 minutes.

Kata is an exercise consisting of several of the specific movements of a martial art, especially a pattern prescribed for defending oneself against several attackers and is used in judo and karate training.

Ellie competes in both individual and pair Kata’s and has many achievements under her. Most recently Ellie achieved a bronce medal in the English National Championships. And we are pleased to report that Ellie has  also been selected for the EKF England Youth Kata Squad and will represent her country in Finland on 18^th August!

Mr Costin said ‘We are obviously buzzing and she is absolutely made up with her achievement. Thanks again for the FGS Evening of Excellence bursary as this was an amazing boost for Ellie to have been officially recognised by her school and receive this bursary was hugely humbling for her. The bursary will be put to the cost of  travel and entry fees and will make a huge difference.’

Ellie commented ‘I have fun competing and enjoy spending time at competitions with my team; we always support each other. I just seem to thrive under pressure of the large championships. I would love to represent my country at an Olympic Games.’

Karate is currently a self-funded sport and in order to further her development she needs to access more International competitions. Finances don’t always allow for Ellie to regularly participate in European competitions. Local businesses interested in supporting Ellie’s future or any of the current Elite Kata Squad should contact http://www.saledojo.co.uk/

We wish Ellie and her squad all the very best for future competitions and training.