Fordingbridge's Thomas Klemz wins double gold and gains GB selection

FORDINGBRIDGE’S Thomas Klemz has won a double world karate gold and an invitation to represent the Great Britain in India next year.

Ten-year-old Thomas who attends Fordingbridge Junior School competes for Inner Strength Martial Arts (ISMMA) in events across the country.

Last month he won two titles, kata (set moves) and kumite (fighting), at the TYGA World Open Martial Arts Championship in London.

A week later, Tom won three gold medals at a qualifying event in Poole and was invited to represent Team GB at the World Martial Arts Games in New Delhi, India next year.

Tom has been learning karate for five years and already holds three national titles and in September also won the UK International Open Kata title for children aged 10-11 years.

Thomas is coached by Shaun Lanham at ISMAA. The youngster really enjoys training and puts many hours each week into improving his skills. He is working towards achieving as high a mark as possible in his black belt examination and aims to take part in as many tournaments as possible.