Winners: from left, Liam, Emre, Luan, Luca with sensei Raphael Veras and in senior ranks Sanan Aliyev (right)

Published: 20 February 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

A MIGHTY team of martial artists have returned to the borough boasting a big booty of medals and cash prizes after conquering a host of top competitions across the country.

Five members from the Veras Academy Karate Club were in sensational form at the UK Open Championships in Birmingham on Sunday as they won three golds, four silvers and a bronze medal.

Luan Veras, who goes to Sacred Heart Primary School in Islington, defeated all-comers, including his younger brother Liam, in the nine and under kata, a challenging event where judges mark detailed choreographed patterns of movement. The nine-year-old was in unstoppable form as he struck gold in two different kata categories, beating Liam in both finals.

Showing experience beyond his years, Luan also put in a series of eye-catching displays in the 10 to 11-year-olds’ individual fight category to earn a creditable silver medal.

Luan also tasted success in the team events as he joined forces with Liam, eight, and Emre Oner, nine, to win gold in the fight category and silver in their kata event.

The youngest of the Veras brothers, six-year-old Luca, also joined in the medal success when he bagged a bronze in the nine and under kata.
Debutant Fidel Yildiz, nine, also put on a good show in Birmingham and was unlucky to miss out on a medal.

The unrivalled success comes just one week after a team of 12 members from the Veras Academy won 14 medals at the Leicester Karate Association Wadokai Second Sakagami Challenge.

Paddy Gemmell started the ball rolling when she won a gold and a silver medal in the girls’ junior individual fighting category.

Showing off their fighting skills, the Veras brothers all made it on to the podium.

Luan again edged Liam as the pair took gold and silver respectively, while Luca struck double gold in his age group.

In the senior ranks, there were also medals and cash prizes for Patricia Perote, Mette Mclarney, Sensei Raphael Veras and Sanan Aliyev. The success was especially sweet for Sanan, 23, who also recently won a silver medal in the International Dubai Open Championships.