Burgate School karate teen Thomas Klemz takes gold at Commonwealth Karate Championships

BURGATE School pupil Thomas Klemz has won gold at the Commonwealth Karate Championships despite being the youngest competitor in the cadet category to represent England.

The Year 10 student, who previously attended Fordingbridge Junior School, battled through three challenging rounds and defeated an Australian martial artist to win the final.

Following his success Klemz, ranked 10th in the world by the WKF in his kata category, will represent England at the world championships in Konya, Turkey, on 26th October.

This will likely see his ranking rise further.

Thomas attended two youth league competitions earlier this year to help him climb the rankings. He achieved a bronze medal in Limassol, Cyprus, in April before competing in a bronze medal match in Croatia in July, which catapulted him to world number 10.

The talented martial artist took up karate at five years old and trains for an hour every morning before school and two hours every evening.

Klemz – who is also British champion in kata – now trains at Kazoku Renshinkai under Senseis Andrew, Mark and Alvin Walters, and his kata coach Anthony Balkissoon.

Thomas and his family are also looking for sponsors to help with competing and training costs. Those interested can contact Anne and Jeremy at klemzanne@gmail.com or 07854 485409.

You can also contribute to his GoFundme page gofund.me/5269d64f – to follow Thomas's journey, visit his Instagram at @thomas_klemz_karate