THE Seitou Ryu Karate Club have produced two European Champions this year.

James Lockhart, 11, from Wickford and George Boyd, 9, from South Ockendon, came home with three gold medals and one bronze between them at the Malympex European Championships in Aylesbury.

James, a third kyu brown belt, achieved a gold medal in forms, and George, a sixth kyu green belt, shone with two gold medals in kumite (point fighting) and light continuous fighting, and a bronze in forms.

The boys took some time out of winning events to hang out with their heroes Batman, and martial arts celebrity Silvio Simac, from the Jet Li movie Unleashed, who were supporting the event.

The adults did not do badly either as first dan black belt Martin Lawrence won two silver medals for forms and point fighting.

And the club’s chief instructor and national squad coach, Richard Gregory, a third dan black belt, brought home gold medals in both of his events, forms and point fighting.

Seitou Ryu Karate Club run classes five days a week in Chelmsford, Wickford, South Ockendon, Grays and Romford.

The club runs classes for children aged five upwards and for adults aged 13 years upwards. The instructors are nationally registered with enhanced CRB disclosure, are fully qualified and hold Black Belt grades in karate. Beginners are welcome at any time, ring Richard Gregory on 07899 827476 to book a free trial lesson.