Sensei's sensations

Photo: Anthony Miller

Katie Hardman (15), left and Elise Procter (11) have been picked to compete in the World Karate Championships in Dublin, funded by Oldham Community Leisure in Failsworth.

TWO of Oldham's own karate kids aim to be the best around when they represent England at the World Karate Championships in Dublin.

Elise Procter (11) and Katie Hardmen (15), both from Mossley, were able to raise enough money to attend the 6th WUKF World Karate Championships thanks to sponsorship from Oldham Community Leisure Centre in Failsworth.

Along with Sensei Michelle Knowles ­- second Dan black belt ­- the two girls who train as part of Ken Yu Kai Karate at the centre will travel to Dublin to compete in the competition which runs from June 17-19.

Along with the sponsorship from Oldham Community Leisure, the pair managed to raise funds by organising fun days and sponsored runs in between training with the England squad and school work.

Elise's mum Stacy Procter said: "A large part of it was covered by Oldham Community Leisure and we would like to give a special mention to them for all the sponsorship they have given us.

"The girls have done fun days and sponsored runs and with the help of the centre have raised around £3,000 so they can go."

Elise will be looking to achieve her black belt this month with Katie's black belt examination due in October. Both girls will be looking to come away with medals from the world championships.

Nervous

Despite feeling nervous when her daughter is in combat, Stacy feels that karate gives the girls lessons in respect and discipline while also keeping them off the streets.

She said: "They are hoping to come away with medals and their Sensei Michelle Knowles said that they have a great chance of coming away with winning something.

"They got picked about six months ago so they have been training with the England karate squad ever since then.

"At first I can't even watch but I soon get into it and cheer them on, I think they are both going to do well.

"They have been to quite a few competitions before so they do have experience and they have medals.

"It is great discipline and they learn about respect and it keeps them fit and healthy and they are learning to become instructors themselves.

"They do have respect and I know that they won't go out misbehaving or drinking on the streets because I know that they would think about karate first and how it would affect them.

"It is also good to know that if they ever got into trouble or were attacked they can protect themselves.

"When she is older Elise wants to become a PE teacher and also wants to start teaching her own karate classes.

"Elise gained her interest when she watched the latest 'Karate Kid' film.

"She was desperate to go and she has loved it ever since."