Outstanding 92 medals for The Dojo competition squad

The team at DOJO

Members of the Dojo Karate Club have been making moves in the Midland Open Martial Arts Competition.

The team came out on top with an impressive 92 medals, including 32 golds, 33 silvers, and 27 bronze medals. These medal winners will now be invited to attend the selection for next year's World Championships in Dubai. 

Sensei Irfan Ansari also returned to competition after 10 years in order to qualify for the World Championships. 

He won one gold and one silver medal, and was beaten by his son Sensei Isshaaq Ansari by 0.1 marks in the Weapons Kata.

After their event they hugged and kissed to the delight of the clapping audience - it was a moment to symbolise the passing of knowledge from father and son.

Irfan Ansari from Dojo Karate Club told Rochdale Online News: “It was an amazing performance from current Team GB male captain, Sensei Huseyn Mikayilov winning 3 golds, and from Brooke Rowan winning 3 golds and 1 silver on the way to receiving a bruised/broken rib - but she's a tough cookie!

“Everyone performed well. However, from those from this squad going to the European Championships in London in August need to pull their socks up and raise their game as the standard will be a lot higher.”

“Well done to all parents who took their families down and to all who helped out with coaching and supporting each other on and off the mats.”