Published: 20 October, 2011
by MARIA VALLAHIS

KARATE kid brothers Luan and Liam Veras are rapidly hitting the heights as they use their disciplined fighting skills to take the martial arts world by storm.

The duo, who live in Caledonian Road in Islington, train together twice a week at the Karate Veras Academy.

Run by their parents Raphael and Patricia, the club, which is affiliated to the English Karate Federation, holds regular classes in Castlehaven Road in Camden and the Ringcross Community Centre in Lough Road, Islington.

Charming six-year-old Liam, who is a yellow belt with a white stripe, reveals that his brother is “much stronger” and would usually win in any karate contests between the two. 

Although giving much praise to his big brother, Liam boisterously adds that his own strength is in his technical skill.

Luan, 7, who is an orange belt with a white stripe, dominated the recent British Karate International Championships in Glasgow to win gold in the individual boys’ under-9s competition.

The brothers also combined with club-mate Luke Kavanagh, 9, who is a yellow belt, to win silver in the team event.
“We fought 12 people and even though you get tired it is fun,” said Luan.

Luan and Liam, who attend Sacred Heart Primary School in Holloway, know there’s a time and place for fighting, and would never use their skills outside a dojo.
 
Sensei Raphael Veras, who has been involved in karate for more than 20 years and is a 3rd Dan, said: “The boys demonstrate tremendous maturity and a good fighting spirit. They know with the kind of training they have that they have to be very responsible and respectful at all times.”