A BARNSLEY student has kicked his way to glory at the World Karate Confederation European Championships.
Andrew Crooks, 17, of Samuel Road, Gawber, started karate five years ago and has honed his skills to earn a black belt and compete at international level. He flew out to Romania last month and came home with silver in three events.
“I felt proud, like I’ve done my parents proud and myself proud because of the five years of working hard for that moment,” he said.
“When I was on the podium I felt like I’ve earned this.”
He competed in individual fighting, individual kata and team kata. Kata is a more choreographed form of karate in which points are awarded for timing and technique.
Andrew fought in six individual fights to make it to the final, where he faced a competitor from Serbia, who had a significant weight advantage.
“He was 90kg and I’m 66. I scored a few points against him but he just kept taking my legs and getting me down because I’m just not strong enough to take him on,” he said.
Training for the competition involved five hours a week, as well as improving fitness at the gym. Since coming back, his routine has gone to three hours a week at Gawber DoJo.
Andrew plans to join the Marines next year but will still be focusing on a career in karate.
“The Olympics is a goal to do in the future. That would just be amazing if I did that.”
