TWO Westwood Karate Academy instructors have travelled to New York City to take part in a world traditional training camp.

Marites Tomlinson and Charlie Tarr travelled to Staten Island, in New York, to represent the club at the World Traditional Karate Organisation International Training Camp.

In addition to four days intensive training under some of the world’s top Shotokan Karate instructors, the camp included an international competition and black belt gradings for those eligible.

Between them, Tomlinson and Tarr came away with five gold medals, and a bronze and silver.

Tomlinson won both the women’s individual kata and kumite events, and was a member of the winning kata team.

Tarr was runner-up the men's individual kumite, and finished third in kata.

He also won gold in the team kata, and was a member of the winning men's kumite team.

Tomlinson had the added pressure of grading for 5th dan on the camp, but she passed with flying colours.

“We’re very proud of Charlie and Marites,” said Westwood Academy chief instructors Alan and Carol Parrish. “They are great ambassadors for the club. It’s a special moment for us to see Marites, a student we have taught from white belt level, to achieve such an advanced grade.”

The camp and grading were lead by sensei Richard Amos 7th dan chief instructor of the WTKO.

Sensei Amos will be in Southend next month teaching alongside JKA Japanese Kumite champion Toshihito kokubun.

The course is open to all Shotokan karateka. Contact Westwood Karate Academy for details.

The Academy is currently running beginner classes for adults and children in Southend, Shoebury, Leigh,Westcliff, Rayleigh, Thundersley, Canvey and Hawkwell. Call 01702 479197, email westwoodkarate1@btinternet.com or visit www.westwoodkarateacademy.co.uk for more information.