Medal joy for Andrew atMunich Championships

The Ballymoney man, who is a Queen’s University Mathematics student, obtained a first Place in Junior Kata, first Place in Junior Kumite (free sparring) and third Place in Senior Kumite.

Andrew, 2nd Dan KUGB, is a dedicated student and instructor of the Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club, where he has trained regularly since the age of 13 in his hometown of Ballymoney. Taught by Chief Instructor Sensei Terry Geddis 5th Dan KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain) his love of competition was obvious from the start and Sensei Terry took a personal interest in helping him further develop his skills as a karateka and competitor.

He has won various local and Irish competitions as well as being crowned ZSNI Grand Champion and Karate NI Grand Champion in 2013, Andrew travels regularly to England to compete in other championships with his teammates where he is a regular on the podium or in the top five.

Senior Student of the Year 2013, Andrew, also competes for Northern Ireland at World and European Level, in last November’s European Shotokan Karate Championships Andrew was narrowly beat in the quarter finals by a Russian competitor who then went on to win the championships.

“Andrew is the type of student you only find once in a while, dedicated in many other ways than competition he upholds the true value of Shotokan Karate and his future is bright within the art,” said Sensei Terry Geddis 5th Dan proudly.

“He is also training for his 3rd Dan when he turns 21, another major achievement for someone so young,”

Andrew trains three times a week with his teammates when he is home from studying at the weekend, as well as working part time, Shotokan Karate has become a major part of his life and is allowing him to travel the world.

Andrew himself speaks of his success

“I am very grateful to have a full support system behind me whilst I train and compete and I would like to thank Sensei Terry for his time and effort that he puts into myself and my team mates,” said Andrew.

“Also to my team mates who work with me in developing my karate every week, the club members who have supported me greatly with messages of pride and best wishes. And also a big thank you to Atlas Gym in Coleraine for sponsoring me in the WKC International Open Championships.”

Andrew started off training in Ballymoney seven years ago and has now been appointed head instructor of Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club Ballymoney, which is situated in the Joey Dunlop Centre and takes place every Friday night from 7.00pm-8.00pm.

ZSNI offers up the opportunities, such as Andrews, to every member and new members are welcome all year round, with first session free, a pair of Kumite Mitts free for every member once registered and a free karate suit after 10 sessions this sets the student up for success.

For more information on this club please contact: 07931981962 or email [email protected], or visit their website: www.zsni.co.uk or like their page on Facebook: Zanshin Shotokan Karate Club.