Family of fighters: Sensei Raphael Veras and his boys Liam, 7, Luca, 5, and Luan, 9

Published: 20 June, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

THE Veras family added to their overwhelming collection of karate medals when they powered on to the podium both at home and abroad.

Third dan Sensei Raphael Veras and his boys Luan, 9, Liam, 7 and Luca, 5, made the trip to the Netherlands to take part in the Kaiten International Open Championships.

In the junior events Luan showed tremendous spirit and determination as he battled his way to bronze in the Under-10s kumite category, a form of fighting.

With the pressure on, dad Raphael matched his oldest son’s efforts as he valiantly fought his way through three tough rounds to win a bronze in the -67kg kumite category.

Brothers Liam and Luca missed out on the medals in the Netherlands but were in top form when they represented the Shoujin Karate Association at the British Championships in Glasgow.

Competing in the Under-10s kumite category, Liam won six of his seventh fights on his way to capturing a bronze medal, earning him the competitor of the day award off his father.

Liam also won a silver medal in the kata event after displaying graceful patterns of movement.

In the team fighting event all three brothers put in explosive performances to win a silver medal. Luan also showed great understanding of timing and counter attack to win silver in his individual fighting event.

Adding the finishing touches to a family day out with a difference, Raphael won another bronze in the senior -67kg kumite category.

Veras Academy holds regular training sessions in Camden and Islington. For further info visit www.verasacademy.co.uk