Hordle's Patchouli Phillips off to 2023 World Martial Arts Games after winning WMAGC Karate Welsh Open

HORDLE’S Patchouli Phillips enjoyed great success at the WMAGC Karate Welsh Open, winning the Female Black Belt Kumite title in front of a packed arena in Swansea.

The hard-fought victory came after wins against Vicky Shurey (ISMAA Karate) and Romilly Pope (Swansea University Karate), guaranteeing a place in the 2023 World Martial Arts Games to be held in Florida.

Phillips, a former Hordle Primary and Highcliffe School pupil, said: “It has been great to get back on the mat after lockdown and Covid restrictions this past year, and even better to see some old friends from previous karate competitions and clubs.

“I always get nervous before any competition, but it helped to focus on my Swansea University teammates, and we all spurred each other on.”

Phillips captained Swansea University Squad for the past two years and remains in the squad while completing her masters degree in law.

She started karate at seven years old, training three times a week with a local New Forest club, gaining her black belt. After that, she trained with ISMAA Karate based in Bournemouth and Poole.

Phillips now trains with Swansea Shotokan Karate, where she can access the Welsh national squad instructors.

While earning a first-class honours degree in law, she competed nationally and internationally with the NMAC Great Britain squad.