THREE brothers from Shenfield are enjoying karate success at both national and international level.
Tristan Luke, 17, and his 15-year-old twin brothers Bryce and Ryan have all shone already in 2013.
First Ryan and Tristan both won medals at the English National Karate Kyu-Grade Championships in Sheffield, before Bryce just missed out on a bronze medal in the European Karate Federation Championships in Turkey.
The three boys have all been participating in the sport for ten years, and their hard work and hours of training are now paying dividends in the Kumite discipline of the sport, which is based on fighting.
Ryan claimed gold in the -63kg Cadet Category in Sheffield, which on the day was merged with the -70kg and +70kg categories, meaning he came up against bigger and stronger opponents.
But despite this, he won every fight and walked away with the gold medal.
Like his brother, Ryan is part of the England National Karate Squad, and he could be involved in the World Championships in June.
The Kyu-Grade championships are for all competitors up to black belt, and at the same event Tristan competed in the Junior -76kg category. He won all of his fights up until the final, which was drawn 2-2, but the judges ruled against him on flags.
It was his first major competition since he broke his hand in two places at the English National Championships five years ago.
All eyes then turned to Bryce as he travelled to Turkey to make his England debut, where 44 countries were competing.
He first beat a Serbian opponent, overcoming an early head kick to win the clash.
He then took on an excellent Turkis opponent and was unlucky when his opponent went for a kick to the head when Bryce took him down – both moves worth three points – and the judges sided with the home competitor, who went on to win the contest.
As he won the contest, this meant Bryce went on to the repechage fight-off for a bronze medal.
Wins over a Swedish and Slovakian opponents took him into a bronze medal match against a strong French opponent.
Bryce fell three points behind early on and his attempts to level up by taking down his opponent were halted three times by his opponent holding on, each time earning the Frenchman a warning.
And as the clock ran out, Bryce tried another takedown but was pulled out of the ring by his opponent, but he was awarded the win despite the risk of a fourth warning and disqualification.
Bryce's debut performance impressed the national selectors, and they are keen for him to compete at the World Championships in Spain in the autumn.
The boys' proud father John said: "I have mixed emotions, really. I didn't know what to expect at his first European Championship, but I am pleased he didn't go out in the first round.
"Losing to France, who are world champions, and Turkey, who are one of Europe's strongest Karate nations, is no disgrace. Both fights were so close and could have gone either way.
"He fought very well and to come fifth in Europe at the first attempt is a real achievement, but having come so far I am disappointed for him that he didn't medal. To represent your country at any sport is a big deal and I am very proud of what Bryce has achieved."
Ryan and Bryce are looking for a commercial sponsor to help finance training and competitions in England and overseas. If you would be interested in sponsoring the boys, please e-mail sport@gazettenews.co.uk.
