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Robbie’s England dream

18/ 4/2008

ACCRINGTON Karate Club is packing a punch with its newest champion - 11-year-old Robbie Cooke.

Robbie has been training at the club on Paradise Street since it opened in January and is already building an impressive medal collection.

His latest win came last month when he took gold at the Liverpool Classic.

Also, along with two other members of the club - which his dad Craig runs - his hard work has not gone unnoticed as he has been selected in the England World Championship team later this year.

Robbie has been fighting for just three years but took gold in the 11-to 13-year old Kata event, and bronze in the Kumite event.

Dad Craig, 33, said he was knocked out by Robbie's success.

"It's impressive. He’s doing really well.

"Now he's been called up to the World Championships, which is a massive thing for us because it’s the first time it has been held in this country."

Craig, and fellow member Lee Power, also dominated the adult Kumite. The pair won gold in the team Kumite and mastered the individual event, with Lee, 20, beating Craig in the final.

Lee, who is the current JFK British champion, was also awarded competitor of the day.

The club train at the New Era complex every Wednesday between 6pm and 7.30pm. Anyone over seven is welcome.