SCORES of karate students have been showing off their fighting skills at a Banbury tournament.

Hosted by Banbury Shukokai, the biannual tournament saw 120 students taking part aged from five upwards.

The championship took place at the Chasewell Centre over six hours and also included a squad from Ratley Club.

Senior instructor and club founder Gareth Rees said: “We had 21 categories this year for fighting and kata (pre-set forms).

“With children as young as five, adult men and ladies all competing, the standard of karate was of excellent with students showing good control and discipline.

“All of my students fought brilliantly and performed a high standard of kata, even new students showed a strong spirit in the tournament arena. Of special note were fighters George Tait, aged six, who won first place for fighting and kata, and Paige Ridley, aged seven, who fought with great tenacity and speed to take first place. Also of note was Steve Hearn who won the adult men senior grade division and took the best fighter of the day trophy.”

For more information call Gareth Rees on 01295 272436 or view banburykarate.co.uk