A remarkable feat of athleticism and family unity unfolded recently as members of the Young family from Invergowrie achieved outstanding success at the World Karate Championships. This wasn’t just any family outing; it was a multi-generational display of skill and determination that captivated the Scottish Karate Union.
The family’s impressive contingent included Shihan John Young, a highly respected 7th Dan black belt and veteran competitor. His years of experience and dedication culminated in a well-deserved silver medal in the challenging veterans’ kumite (fighting) division. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the enduring commitment to the sport amongst seasoned athletes in the region.
Following in his father’s footsteps was Sensei Jonathan Young, who demonstrated exceptional ability to secure a gold medal in the demanding committee rotation event. This win underlines the strong karate tradition within the Young family and the high caliber of coaching available locally within Perth and Kinross.
Adding another layer of familial pride, John’s three grandchildren also competed at the prestigious championships. Twelve-year-old Jonathan, nine-year-old Ollie, and six-year-old Lucy all showcased their considerable skills. Ollie’s performance was especially outstanding as he achieved a remarkable fifth-place finish globally in the demanding kata (forms) competition, representing Scotland at this international level. Six-year-old Lucy, meanwhile, proudly led the Scottish Karate Union in their impressive parade during the opening ceremony, representing Invergowrie on a world stage. A Thriving Karate Community in Perthshire
The Young family’s success is a testament to the vibrant karate scene within Perth and Kinross. Their home club, Tenshinkan Alba, based in Invergowrie and Birkhill, boasts a dedicated team of instructors nurturing young talent and fostering a strong sense of community. The club’s regular training sessions at Invergowrie Primary School and Millennium Hall in Birkhill provide a supportive environment for all skill levels, encouraging participation from across the Perthshire region.
The family’s participation wasn’t limited to the competitors. Ruth Young, along with her daughter-in-law Samantha, provided crucial support as coaches and mentors for the team. Their dedication to helping their children, grandchildren and other Scottish Karate Union members at the Championships reflects the profound family involvement in the sport within Perthshire.
Beyond the Young family, other karate enthusiasts from Perth and Kinross also demonstrated their skills. The local Kanzen Karate dojo also achieved extraordinary results at the World Championships, returning home with a significant haul of medals. This collaborative success underscores the thriving commitment to karate in the area, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both athletes and their instructors. Looking Ahead to Future Competitions
The Young family’s remarkable success at the World Karate Championships is more than just a collection of medals; it’s an inspiring story of family, community, and the dedication needed to reach the highest levels of athletic competition. With plans to compete in the following year’s championships in Cluj, Romania, this remarkable family continues to show their unyielding spirit and passion for karate.
The event in Malmö highlighted not only the individual talents but also the strong sense of camaraderie within the Scottish Karate Union. The shared experiences and mutual support among the Scottish competitors, including the Young family and other talented athletes from Perth and Kinross such as Leo Johnston from Longforgan, demonstrated the power of collective support within the sport. This success story serves as an inspirational tale that resonates deeply with the athletic spirit of Perth and Kinross, inspiring aspiring young karateka within the wider Perthshire community.
The scale of the Malmö arena and the electric atmosphere further enhanced the overall experience, providing an unforgettable backdrop for the family’s incredible achievement. The family’s dedication to the sport as a hobby, despite their demanding lives and commitment to coaching, exemplifies the enduring appeal of karate in Perthshire. They embody the spirit of determination, teamwork, and family unity, making their accomplishment especially inspiring to the region’s local community.
The family’s inspiring journey underscores the strength and dedication of the local sporting community. Their dedication, commitment to their craft, and the supportive environment at Tenshinkan Alba all played a crucial role in their collective success. Their future participation in the next World Karate Championships in Cluj demonstrates their sustained commitment to the sport and their continued dedication to representing Scotland and Perthshire at the highest level.
The family’s impressive contingent included Shihan John Young, a highly respected 7th Dan black belt and veteran competitor. His years of experience and dedication culminated in a well-deserved silver medal in the challenging veterans’ kumite (fighting) division. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the enduring commitment to the sport amongst seasoned athletes in the region.
Following in his father’s footsteps was Sensei Jonathan Young, who demonstrated exceptional ability to secure a gold medal in the demanding committee rotation event. This win underlines the strong karate tradition within the Young family and the high caliber of coaching available locally within Perth and Kinross.
Adding another layer of familial pride, John’s three grandchildren also competed at the prestigious championships. Twelve-year-old Jonathan, nine-year-old Ollie, and six-year-old Lucy all showcased their considerable skills. Ollie’s performance was especially outstanding as he achieved a remarkable fifth-place finish globally in the demanding kata (forms) competition, representing Scotland at this international level. Six-year-old Lucy, meanwhile, proudly led the Scottish Karate Union in their impressive parade during the opening ceremony, representing Invergowrie on a world stage. A Thriving Karate Community in Perthshire
The Young family’s success is a testament to the vibrant karate scene within Perth and Kinross. Their home club, Tenshinkan Alba, based in Invergowrie and Birkhill, boasts a dedicated team of instructors nurturing young talent and fostering a strong sense of community. The club’s regular training sessions at Invergowrie Primary School and Millennium Hall in Birkhill provide a supportive environment for all skill levels, encouraging participation from across the Perthshire region.
The family’s participation wasn’t limited to the competitors. Ruth Young, along with her daughter-in-law Samantha, provided crucial support as coaches and mentors for the team. Their dedication to helping their children, grandchildren and other Scottish Karate Union members at the Championships reflects the profound family involvement in the sport within Perthshire.
Beyond the Young family, other karate enthusiasts from Perth and Kinross also demonstrated their skills. The local Kanzen Karate dojo also achieved extraordinary results at the World Championships, returning home with a significant haul of medals. This collaborative success underscores the thriving commitment to karate in the area, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both athletes and their instructors. Looking Ahead to Future Competitions
The Young family’s remarkable success at the World Karate Championships is more than just a collection of medals; it’s an inspiring story of family, community, and the dedication needed to reach the highest levels of athletic competition. With plans to compete in the following year’s championships in Cluj, Romania, this remarkable family continues to show their unyielding spirit and passion for karate.
The event in Malmö highlighted not only the individual talents but also the strong sense of camaraderie within the Scottish Karate Union. The shared experiences and mutual support among the Scottish competitors, including the Young family and other talented athletes from Perth and Kinross such as Leo Johnston from Longforgan, demonstrated the power of collective support within the sport. This success story serves as an inspirational tale that resonates deeply with the athletic spirit of Perth and Kinross, inspiring aspiring young karateka within the wider Perthshire community.
The scale of the Malmö arena and the electric atmosphere further enhanced the overall experience, providing an unforgettable backdrop for the family’s incredible achievement. The family’s dedication to the sport as a hobby, despite their demanding lives and commitment to coaching, exemplifies the enduring appeal of karate in Perthshire. They embody the spirit of determination, teamwork, and family unity, making their accomplishment especially inspiring to the region’s local community.
The family’s inspiring journey underscores the strength and dedication of the local sporting community. Their dedication, commitment to their craft, and the supportive environment at Tenshinkan Alba all played a crucial role in their collective success. Their future participation in the next World Karate Championships in Cluj demonstrates their sustained commitment to the sport and their continued dedication to representing Scotland and Perthshire at the highest level.