ULTIMATE Karate held its fourth annual tournament in Malvern where students from across the three counties came to compete.

There were disciplines of Kumite (fighting), Kata and self defence and last year's champions were present to retain their titles against very determined opponents.

This year's event lasted five hours with all competitors choosing to compete in every section available. Malc McClure, Dave Avery and former British Kickboxing champion Nigel Lee refereed the Kumite. The event was closely monitored and supervised throughout by the chief instructor, Neil Bennett.

Many different ages and grades competed all showing great determination.

The Kumite results were beginner to green belt and blue and black belt. U16s best fighter, Samuel Russell. O16s best fighter, Ash Draven. U16s best fighter, David Rowley. O16s best fighter, Nigel Lee.

Retaining the female champion title for the second year was Ann Marie Philpotts and runner up was Elizabeth Smith from Worcester.

After a very determined and technical three minute bout the male champion round between the current champion Malc McClure and Nigel Lee went into sudden death.

Competitors were focused on their goal, Malc began his attack with several blows and direct kicks but Nigel swiftly scored with a side kick from his left leg to the body enabling him to claim the male champion title. Malc was runner up.

Ian Glasper retained the defence champion title for the second year running with Nigel Lee as runner up.

The elimination champion was seven-year-old Georgia Hennessy who remained determined despite many opponents being twice her size. Ian Glasper was runner up.

In the traditional Kata section, where competitors must display a pre-arranged sequence of moves individually in front of everyone and the judges, Neil Bennett and Dave Avery, the results in the beginner to green belt category were: 1 Julie Fellows, 2 Kieran Jancey-Conway, 3 Samuel Russell and in the blue to black belt category 1 Malc McClure, 2 Ian Glasper, 3 Nigel Lee.

The final championship section was to decide Kata champion, and was retained for a third year by Malc McClure with Ian Glasper from Ledbury as runner up.

New students of all ages are welcome to train and learn Karate combined with the best techniques from Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Kickboxing, all in the same organisation.

For further details contact chief instructor Neil Bennett on (01684) 567721 daytime or 07801 846055 any time.