College’s karate kid set to take on world (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

College’s karate kid set to take on world

12:40pm Friday 26th February 2010

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A Darlington karate kid is set to take on the world’s best fighters in an international tournament this weekend.

Rebecca Johnson, a 17-year-old student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington, travels to Sheffield for the AMA International Karate Championships.

Rebecca said: “I’m not certain what to expect – it’s a new experience but I am determined to do my best.

“I’ve been part of the England squad for almost a year now and in preparation for the competition we have had extra England training sessions.”

Rebecca first started karate at the age of seven and now, ten years on, she is a black belt.

She said: “I train with my coach Fred Bateman two or three times a week and also teach a junior karate class once a week. England training is on top of this at weekends. It’s very demanding but I love it.”

Anita Blackburn, vice principal at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, said: “Rebecca is remarkable.

“She is an excellent student with a demanding A Level programme of psychology, biology and PE but is so well-organised that she combines her commitment to academic study and her sport with the minimum of effort. We are very proud of her achievements.”

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