Published: 7 February, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

BLACKBELTS Sensei Raphael Veras and senior fighter Sanan Aliev proved that experience is just as valuable as youth when they were selected to represent England.

The duo were flying the flag for the the Veras Academy, which has been hitting the headlines because of just how well the junior members from the club have been doing on the karate circuit.

But proving that it’s not just the karate kids who can top the podium, Sensei Veras and senior blackbelt Aliev helped lead the Southern England regional team to victory over their North and Midlands rivals at the Regional Karate Championships.

But ultimately anything daddy can do the children can do better as Veras brothers Luan, 8, Liam, 7, and Luca, 5, all won medals at the Wado British Karate Championships.