Fighting for England
On Sunday, 28 February Rebecca Johnson will fight in her first international Karate competition at Sheffield. The seventeen year old, who is a student at QE, is excited and nervous at the prospect and says:
“I’m not certain what to expect – it’s a new experience but I am determined to do my best. I’ll be competing in both the singles and team kumite for 16-17 year olds in the under 68 kilos category. 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.”
Following in her brother’s footsteps, Rebecca first started karate at the age of seven and now, ten years on, she is a black belt. Rebecca continues:
“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 – really enjoy it!”
Anita Blackburn, Vice Principal at QE, adds:
“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.”
February 24, 2010