Sensei Raphael Veras with star Demie Holand  

Published: 19 November, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

SENSEI Raphael Veras said he was “beaming with pride” after one of his talented young karate kids was selected to represent their country. 

Top junior competitor Demie Holand is gearing up to take part in the “Battle of the Teams” after earning a place in the England Midlands squad.

The highly-rated 11-year-old, who trains with the Veras Academy at the Ringcross Community Centre in Holloway, will travel to the Netherlands later this month where she will get to grips with some of the best young fighters Europe has to offer. 

“We are all very happy and proud of Demie’s achievement and wish her all the very best success in representing England,” said Sensei Veras. “She is a very dedicated young fighter, and deserves all the recognition that she is getting. I’m confident that she will do well.” 

Demie’s international call up continues what has been a strong year for the karate club. Among its top results came when a squad of 16 fighters from across Camden and Islington won 15 medals at the Central England International Karate Championships. 

Competing in kumite, a form of freestyle fighting or grappling, and kata, judged choreographed patterns of movement, the Veras Academy boasted a wide range of talent, ranging from six-year-olds to seniors.

The Veras brothers, from left, Luca, Liam and Luan

Luca Veras, 8, Lucienne Brown, 11, and Ben Pomeroy, 15, all won gold medals in their respective categories. 

There was silver success for Isaac Gibson, 7, Seyhan Cinar, 11, Luke Kavanagh, 13, and Chloe Casimir, 13, while Isaac, Seyhan, Luca, Ben and Liam Veras also all picked up bronze medals. With a couple of medals in the team events bulking up their numbers, the Veras Academy returned home with a combined total of three golds, five silvers and seven bronze. 

“The atmosphere was electric, with parents and students all cheering on their team-mates,” said Sensei Veras. “I was really proud to see all the squad perform well at one of most difficult tournaments in the UK, and would like to thank all the parents for their support.” 

Not satisfied with all their countless karate titles and medals, Veras brothers Liam, Luca and Luan are now also dominating the world of judo, with Luca and Luan recently crowned London champions.