Jack Jolliffe and Richard Reygan gain outstanding achievements awards

Jack Jolliffe and Richard Reygan with Sensei Ansari

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The Dojo Karate Centre has honoured Jack Jolliffe and Richard Reygan for their outstanding achievements.

Sensei Irfan Ansari presented Jack Jolliffe with two engraved glass tablets. Jack has amassed a total of 36 gold, nine silver and 11 bronze medals at the World Championships since 2008. He has also won over 200 competitions comprising of 135 gold, 39 silver and 31 bronze since 2007.

Sensei Ansari also recognised Richard Reygan for winning four gold medals at the 2014 Unified World Championships - the most gold medals won by any seven-year-old in the history of the Dojo Karate Centre.

Sensei Ansari said: “While many people take part in martial arts, it takes a special mindset to achieve what Jack and Richard have achieved.

“For a seven-year-old, Richard has performed exceptionally on his first visit to the World Championships.

“Jack is exceptional in his attitude to perfect technique and succeed in each competition he enters; his record speaks for itself.

“Being the Team Dojo captain, he has always led by example and has never questioned my guidance, a sign of true student who completely trusts his Sensei.

“More recently they have both proven their own against much older opponents to win convincingly.

"We are all so proud of their achievements and wish them every success in the future.”

Two members also achieved their black belts.

Hamza and Hameed Ali have been training since 2008.

They have always achieved high marks at each belt and their black belt grading was no different.

They are both also class leader, a Dojo qualification for the more talented younger members that equips them to lead groups and develops their communication skills and confidence.

Sensei Ansari said: “Both Hamza and Hameed have been the ideal students who are very talented indeed.

“They have now joined the elite group of the black belt club and have learnt so many positive traits on their journey. I wish them every success in life.”

Five members returned from the 2015 WKA Yorkshire Open Karate Championships with 10 trophies between them.

Outstanding performance from all especially the Team Dojo captain, Jack Jolliffe who took first places in all of his three events: 17 years Kata, 18 years Weapons Kata and 18 years Kumite.

Ethan Hulse took first in 12 eayrs Kata and third in Kumite.

Natalie Dean was first in the Ladies plus 18 years Kumite.

Katie Eccles came first in plus 18 eayrs Ladies Kata and second in Kumite.

Rick Ward was first in plus 35 eayrs Weapons Kata and second in plus 35 years Kata.

Sensei Ansari said: “It’s a fantastic start to the year for some of our squad members. It was great to see them pick up and continue their excellent performances from the World Champs in 2014.”