Milford Haven Karate Club travelled to Merthyr Tydfil to compete in their final event of the 2022 season, and came away with gold and silver medals.

With Connor John in contention to finish with a ranking of third in the Welsh Under 14s category, he got off to a flying start in the first round, winning by ippon with a beautifully timed head kick.

He then went on to face the No 1 ranked fighter in the country, and beat him 4-1 to make the final. This time against the No 2 ranking, he showed great composure to win the contest - and the Gold medal - cementing his third placed finish overall.

There was also success for Josh Whatling, who followed up his third placed finish at Karate Fight Night to make it to the final in a hugely competitive over 75 kilos category. He narrowly missed out by a few points but still claimed a very worthy silver medal.

Milford head instructor Kevin John was full of praise for both youngsters, saying: “Connor becomes one of only a handful of students throughout the 40 years of the club to win gold and be in the top three in Wales.

“He is already looking forward to a big 2023 and possibly fighting at the World Championships in Dundee with the Welsh squad.

“Josh will hopefully will also be a big part of that too. His performances over the last few weeks have been the talk on the circuit, to beat world and European champions on the tour just shows what he is capable of and he is still so young.

“The club’s future is looking bright and long may it continue.”

Pictured: Connor John and Josh Whatling

28 Nov 2022