A SHIHAN from Redditch will lead the England squad at the ICO World Championships later this year.
Shihan Dave Treadwell from Furi Sutairu Karate (FSK) Academy in Redditch took on the role of Karate England president for the ICO team earlier this year.
Treadwell has put together a squad of 43 athletes, including himself, to take part at the World Championships in Swansea, Wales this October.
England will take a squad of more than 200 athletes across various disciplines in total to the World Championships competing against martial artists from all over the globe.
It also marks the first time England will send a karate team to the World Championships.
Treadwell said: “It’s a great honour to represent your country and everyone is working extremely hard at their clubs up and down the country.
“All of the athletes are taking part in monthly squad sessions with myself and head England kata coach, Shihan Brian Whatford, who is also the founder of ToriKai Marial Arts Peterborough.”
Athletes must self-fund their travel, fees, kit and accommodation to take part in the event.
And Belles Jewellery Box, PDR Finishings and Secure Vaults Derby have all agreed to sponsor the team at the World Championships.
The parents of team member Belle Richards, Chris Richards and Jess Brookes, run Belles Jewellery Box in Dudley and wanted to show their support for the team.
Treadwell added: “All I can say is a huge thank you to all three sponsors that are supporting the England team.
“Myself and Shihan Brian Whatford are extremely grateful.”
