The WKJK Cogan dojo has performed well with several competitors well placed to challenge for championship places. The photo shows (left to right); Keith Parsons (team coach 2nd Dan), Dan Lages, Henry El Jahwari (currently first in his category), Emma Llewellyn (2nd in category), Jade Parsons (1st in category) and Shihan Lee Costa, chief instructor WKJK. Front line, Callum Eva and Harvey and Annabell Stacey. Other competitors should also be challenging but will benefit by attending as many meetings as possible. Mean while should you be interested in karate the Cogan Leisure Centre dojo under 6th Dan Lee Costa is always open to new pupils.
Starting at the age of just 5 years old in a newly promoted temporary club in St. David’s Hall, it was not long before I was training at the Cogan (Penarth) dojo under Lee Costa. As I improved and moved through the grades, I found myself not only training at Cogan but now moving round other clubs within the South Wales area gaining experience with other students and training under different instructors where I continued to gain experience.
At the age of 13, I entered a karate ‘National Grading’ where I was awarded a black belt, first Dan. In addition to this I had been entering local and regional tournaments within the Welsh karate set up, generally being placed but winning several competitions. Continuing to progress I was now training regularly with the National Welsh Squad.
The highlights of my involvement within the sport was representing Wales in Dublin (Ireland). I was selected to represent Wales at the World championship (taking place in Europe) but both myself and two other Jutsu kai fighters were unable to go due to lack of funding. Full credit must go to our coaches for preparing and training us to the high standard required. More recently I have had other sporting success at Club, National and International levels, playing roller hockey for Wales under 18s and at senior levels against teams from Germany, France and Austria.
Now playing field hockey, I have captained many teams throughout college and at University. I currently play for Coventry and North Warwickshire. Being fortunate enough to be able to take the teaching route as my career path, I now have the pleasure of passing on the knowledge gained throughout my experience of previous sports and beyond as a Physical Education Teacher at the Sandwell Academy in Birmingham (England).