The Veras Academy team that competed at the Tokyo Dream Karate Championships in Stevenage

A TEAM of karate kids from Veras Academy got to grips with a mighty medal haul when they took part in the Tokyo Dream Karate Championships in Stevenage.

Organised by world karate champion Jordan Thomas, a 20-strong squad of youngsters, some aged as young as five, were marked on their skills in the kumite – a form of freestyle fighting or grappling – and kata, in which competitors are judged on choreographed patterns of movement.

Overall the triumphant team of martial artists returned home boasting 10 gold medals, eights ­silvers and eight bronze.

Sensei Raphael Veras, who regularly hosts ­classes in Castlehaven Road in Camden and the Ringcross Community Centre in Lough Road, Islington, said: “The atmosphere was buzzing, every member and their family supported one another every step of the way. “It was a honour watching these talented ­youngsters competing to the best of their ability.”