Basildon's John Harris took up karate approaching his 50th birthday after watching his daughter Gemma train.
Age is no barrier - 50-year-old national champion John Harris displays his trophy in front of other Phoenix members. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL EQECC1
At first he did it just to keep fit and to do something with his daughter, but the karate bug soon got to him and he's now training up to four times a week.
He entered his first national championship under the Phoenix Karate Club banner and emerged with a national kumite champion title.
Said a delighted John: "Any parent could do the same as me. I am an example that you are never too old or unfit - you just need to give it a try."
Along with John, other Phoenix karate members took three national titles and numerous second and third placings.
Lee Nicholls, 17, from Benfleet, and Basildon's Amy Ward, 14, both collected national kata titles.
The cadet male and female team collected first and second kumite championships through Lee Nicholls, Scott Neale, Anthony Jupp, Keiron Ward, Joe Simmonds, Mimi Lazarus, Christina Bass and Amy Ward.
Anyone wishing to train for fun or compete in the sport of karate should call Cheri Stokes for details on 01268 511861 or visit the club website on www.phoenix karateclub.co.uk
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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