Taekwondo champions: Tevfik Durakli, Rohan Murray-Carrington, Jimmy O’Neill, Zubair Sohek, Sapphire Blue, Sahil Khan, Abrahym Lettan, Kane O’Neill, Doulton Jarvis, Teddy Field, Sara-Lee Morrow, Jawud Ahmed, Stephen Trento, Joe Morrow and Paul Trefufs

Published: 4 June, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

MARTIAL arts were firmly put on the map as members from two top clubs scooped mighty medal hauls.

A 70-strong squad from Massar’s Taekwondo Association gathered at the Somers Town Community Sports Centre in Chalton Street to take part in a special in-house competition. Youngsters Stephen Trento, 8, and Sahil Khan, 9, were among the gold medal winners in a day of skills and celebration for the club. 

Master Rienzi Trento, 48, who has trained under the guidance of Grand Master Frank Massar for 30 years, said the team are now planning to tackle competition from further afield. “In November we’re planning to take a squad to an international competition in Crystal Palace,” he said. 

“To compete at that level our squad will have to be super fit, and tough, because it will be a testing challenge. But I’ve travelled all around the world and, in the end, I found out the best fighters were the ones back home so I’m sure they’ll do well.” 

Karate squad: Back row from left, Ben Pomeroy, Jasmine Pomeroy, Sensei Raphael Veras, Patricia Perote, Mette McLarney and Donna Blake. Front from left, Luke Kavanagh, Seyhan Cinar, Luan Veras, Ishmail Cinar, Luca Veras and Liam Veras

Meanwhile it was a real family affair as members from the Veras Academy hit top form at the British Four Nations Karate Championships in Glasgow. 

Representing England, Liam Veras was the stand-out competitor as he won three golds and a silver. But finding space for his newly-acquired medals when he gets home might be tough, especially after his brothers Luca and Luan, and his mother Patricia Perote, also made it onto the podium. 

Luca picked up a gold, silver and bronze medal, while Luan collected a silver medal in his age groups. Not to be left out Patricia hit top spot in her event to clinch gold. 

Overall the squad of 16 from the Veras Academy won 18 medals, delighting head coach Sensei Raphael Veras. “With Karate being considered for the Olympics the event was closely scrutinised by Sport England officials who ensured that the highest levels of judging and refereeing were upheld,” he said. 

“With that in mind, the competition was a tough one and I am extremely proud of all my team.”