Success in Canada for Franks Portlock-sponsored karate team

We’re proud to sponsor the South Tyneside Yamaguchi Goju Kai Karate team who brought home gold, silver and bronze medals from the IKGA World Championships in Canada.

The 7th Karate-do Goju-kai Global Championships took place from September 28 – October 1 at the Richmond Olympic Oval in British Columbia, Canada.

Over the four-day competition, the team’s impressive performance resulted in Emma Stephenson winning Gold in Kata, Aiden McTavy winning a Silver in Kumite and Tracy Suggit winning a Bronze in Kumite.

Sensei, Mark Purcell, runs the South Tyneside Yamaguchi GoJu Kai Karate Academy and has coached the winning team to success. He commented: “I’m immensely proud of the team’s achievements. They all performed to the highest of standards and I’m delighted that their hard work and training has paid off.

“A huge thanks to Franks Portlock for their sponsorship; it’s the support of North East businesses like these who make it possible for us to compete in global competitions and showcase the talent of our academy members.”