Seven world championship medals for Dojo Karate Centre fighters

L-R: Isla-Rose Goodfellow, Maryam Nurani and Natalie Dean with Sensei Irfan Ansari

Three members of the Dojo Karate Centre have returned from the World Martial Arts Games in Daytona, Florida, with seven medals between them.

Maryam Nurani, seven, Isla-Rose Goodfellow, 11, and Natalie Dean, 29, all competed in the three-day world championships last month.

Seasoned fighter and multiple world champion Natalie, who has been a member of the Dojo since she was eight, came back with five golds and one bronze medal, whilst Isla-Rose landed a silver medal in the kumite/fighting event.

Isla also placed fourth in weapons kata, as did Maryam, who also placed sixth in Japanese kata.

The Dojo’s youngest representative competed against performers aged up to 10, with some nearly at the age of 11.

Their sensei, Irfan Ansari, said the fighters “performed excellently,” before adding: “Maryam has learnt so much from the experience and has already started learning more advanced kata.

“Isla-Rose has really flourished from the experience and has grown in confidence.

“We're so proud of their success, long may it continue.”

Isla-Rose’s mum, Nickala Fenton, added: “Isla-Rose performed her best we have ever seen.

“To say we are proud is an understatement; we are extremely grateful we have given her this opportunity to go out to America to compete. This has given Isla-Rose the confidence she deserves and now she is going to be able to compete again without the worry she had.

“We just want to thank the people who sponsored Isla-Rose and all the senseis at The Dojo Centre.”