Eastbrook School karate kid in German championship trophy win
A teenage karate enthusiast fought his way to success in a prestigious European competition and brought home two trophies.
Andrew Paddon, 18, who attends Eastbrook School, made his way to Hagen in Germany to compete in the European Karate Championships from May 26 to 27.
Andrew, who obtained his black belt in the sport two years ago, travelled with his club Elite Tang Soo Do, which train at Dagenham Park Leisure Centre under instructor Stuart Reason.
He competed in five categories and won two trophies – second place with Nunchucks in the open weapons category and third place in the Chil Sung hand form category.
The teenager, of Pettit’s Road, Dagenham, said: “I really love learning all the new techniques and competing against people from other countries.
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“I’ve been in championships across Britain, but this is the first time I’ve gone outside of the country.”
His English literature teacher at Eastbrook School in Dagenham Road, Glenn Anderson, said: “Andrew is very unassuming.
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“I didn’t know anything about his karate until recently. He’s an intelligent and articulate student.”
Andrew’s club achieved 21 trophies in total.
They were due to compete at the London Open Championships on Saturday.
