ROMSEY’S Young karate experts got the chance to put their skills to the test last week at an inter-school competition sponsored by Basepoint Romsey.

The Bushido Karate Club organised event was held at St Michael’s School in Colehill.

Basepoint’s sponsorship allowed the club to bring three professional judges to the competition, giving the children the chance to get the most valuable feedback from professionals in the sport.

Sensei Laziz, originally from Uzbekistan, has been practising martial arts for 20 years and teaching for five years. He started the Bushido karate club in 2011 with only 24 students, and it has grown to over 100 students and is the largest Wado karate club in the area.

Laziz said: “Karate has been my best friend in life, teaching me patience, kindness and to guide and protect. The greatest gift for any sensei is to see their students as champions of their lives.”

Vicky Foot, Basepoint Romsey’s centre manager, added: “We were more than happy to sponsor our local karate club, especially knowing that it allowed them to bring in the advice and expertise of three professional judges. It was a terrific event and we were really impressed by the children’s sportsmanship.”

The current squad from the inter-schools team compete at national level under the instruction of Sensei Laziz and the Bushido Martial Arts Club.

For details on the club or to find out information on joining please contact the club on 07401 838335 or e-mail bushido@post.com