The talented young martial artists of Stock Shotokan Karate Club won nine medals between them at the Tigers Kata and Kihon Ippon Kumite competition.

The event, for four to 15 year olds, was held in South Woodham Ferrers.

And Stock’s chief instructor Adam Purkiss was delighted with the displays.

“It’s so satisfying to watch this young group of kids train at the club,” said Purkiss.

“It just goes to show that all their hard work pays off and we’re really pleased.”

For two of the children, Oliver Benton, nine, and Jasmine Hobbs, eight, it was their first time competing.

Oliver, a green belt, progressed through a few rounds in both kata (form) and Kihon Ippon kumite (basic one step pair work) before he was eliminated just before the finals.

Jasmine, who is a purple belt, faired better as she made it through to the under 10s Ippon Kumite final.

There, she would face a fellow team-mate, the more experienced Connor Coleman, nine.

Both were strong in their attacks and defences.

But there has to be a winner and the judges vote went to Connor as he secured his first individual gold medal.

There was also some great performances from other club members who just missed out on the medals this time, such as Liberty King, 13, Lucie Smith, 11, and Katie Moran, 11.

In the team kata event, the trio of Emily Stanford, Skye Taylor - both 11 - and 10-year-old Henri Goddard made it to the finals where they finished in second place, only losing to an older team of all black belts by 0.1.

The contest was so close that the judges had to have a recount.

Skye and Henri also won a bronze medal each as they finished joint third in the 10-11 year olds Ippon Kumite.

Emily, competing in the same event, made it to the final and there she dominated her opponent and walked away with the gold medal.

Henri was one of the last four in the brown belt kata final.

Once again he was raising the bar above everyone else as he took the title for the second time.

>Anyone who fancies taking up karate or is keen to make a return to the sport should contact Ann on 01702557874 or visit stockskc.co.uk