THERE was double delight for two members of the Tokon Kai Karate Association when they claimed a brace of individual gold medals each at a world championship event.

John Mackman and Barry Adams won their medals at the 2007 Funakoshi Shotokan World Championships at Crawley, Sussex.

And fellow Tokan Kai members Jean-Luc Ithier and Malcolm Johnstone also claimed a top spot each for the south-Essex based club following a number of tough fights.

And Tokan Kai chief instructor Steve Roberts was as pleased as punch after winning gold in the kumite to become a four-times world champion.

Tokan Kai came away from the event with a total haul of 20 gold, 15 silver and 14 bronze medals.

"Every single member of the squad competed with the highest level of skill, termination and etiquette," said sensei Roberts.

"Over the last few months, the squad has been training extremely hard, with their training regime having been nearly tripled over the last few weeks.

"All this hard work paid off as the amazing medal shows."

The event has been held in Las Vegas, America, for the last five years but was hosted by England this year.

Tokan Kai holds classes in Wickford, Basildon, Langdon Hills, South Woodham Ferrers, Stanford le Hope, Chelmsford ans Great Baddow.

The full list of Tokan Kai medal-winners age or weight groups, is: Gold kata (forms): Ross Papworth, Kieran Abraham and John Mackman.

Gold kumite (fighting): Jamie Tipp, Jean-Luc Ithier, Sian Wright, Matthew Allum, John Mackman, Barry Adams, Malcolm Johnstone and Steve Roberts.

Gold team kata: Daniel Fountain, Gemma Peacefull, Kieran Peacefull, Simon Swain, Barry Adams, Guy Ralling, Anne-Marie Nicholson, emma Stubbings and Shelley Graham.

Silver kata: Isabelle Reynolds, Alex Eley, Steve White and Anne-Marie Nicholson.

Silver kumite: Ross Papworth, Sharbaz Smith, Jodi O'Sullivan, Daniel Tipp, Danielle Butterfield, Steve White, Emma Stubbings, Marc Ithier, Pam Savill, Neil Butterfield and Simon Swain.

Bronze kata: Reece Tindle, Adrian Hooker, Daniel Fountain, Jodi O'Sullivan, Gemma Peacefull, Danielle Butterfield, Guy Ralling, Pam Savill and Steve Roberts.

Bronze kumite: Lewis Johnstone, Chloe Lack, Alex Eley, Oliver Markwell and Shelley Graham.

The gold medal winners are now world champions within their respective belt, age or weight categories.