Sensei Raphael Veras with, from left, Luan, Emre and Liam

Published: 18 October, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

KARATE kids from the Veras Academy showcased their skills at the UK Open Championships in Birmingham – and were promptly rewarded with a magnificent medal haul.

Tough trio Luan Veras, eight, his seven-year-old brother Liam and Emre Oner, eight, made their club-mates proud as they returned to London with no fewer than five silver medals.

The triumph was especially sweet for Luan, who was suffering from a damaged big toe and only agreed with his father, Sensei Raphael Veras, late on to take part.

Competing in the under-9s Team Fight competition, the boys joined forces battled through two tough rounds each, where they each collect a silver medal.

The success was the perfect starting point for Emre, who showed good form throughout in his first tournament and was very happy to win a medal.

In the individual kata event Liam won four rounds before narrowly losing in the final.

He repeated his actions in the under-8s age group where he again had to settle for silver after narrowly missing out in the final.

Anyone would like to contact the Veras Academy, which regularly hold classes in Camden and Islington should email raphael_verasktd@hotmail.com for details.