Leeds Karate Academy  celebrated a fantastic year in 2011 with an awards evening at the Styan Community Centre, Harrogate.

 The award for Most Improved Junior went to Sam Mitchell. Sam, a pupil at Harrogate Grammar School, gained his Black belt in 2011 and took his fist competitive medal at the North of England Championships. All aspects of Sam’s karate greatly improved during 2011.

 The Most Improved Senior Award went to Joe Finlay. Joe’s constant hard work has seen him become an excellent Karate-ka. His diligence paid of in 2011 when he made his debut for England and took an individual Bronze at the European Shotokan Karate Championships. Joe also took the Players Player award as voted for by the clubs competitors.

 Junior Competitor went to Emelye O’Brien. Emelye, a pupil at Birkenshaw Middle School, had a fantastic year winning every kumite national title that she was eligible for, an incredible achievement.

 Female Competitor for a forth year running went to Ashley Scott. Ashley, a 3^rd Dan Black Belt, took many national titles including the British Championship. Ashley highlight of 2011 was leading the England Ladies team to the World title in Chicago.

 Male Competitor also for a fourth year running went to Ryan Tucker. Ryan, a 2^nd Dan Black Belt, had a fantastic year winning many national and regional titles. Ryan finishes the year in style by taking a senior individual Bronze at the European Shotokan Karate Championships.

 The award for Most Dedicated Student went to Holly Dickinson. Holly, a pupil at Harrogate Grammar School, trains up to 6 times a week and always put her full effort into anything she attempts. This hard work paid of when Holly took the North of England Kumite title in October.

 The lifetime Achievement Award went to Juliet Finlay. Juliet started karate in 1982; she has competed for the club and in 2009 gained her 3^rd Dan.  Juliet’s family have all trained and all have gained Black Belt. Juliet is a tremendous club member who is greatly appreciated.

The final award was for the 2011 Bassai Dai challenge.  The challenge was to get a photograph taken in the most unusual place whilst posing a move from the Kata Bassai Dai.  The winner, was the Brown family whose picture, taken in Chicago is below.  The challenge for 2012 is to get the most famous person you can to do a move from Bassai Dai.