Moose duo all set to tackle Italian job

Abbie Mansell, aged 14, and Ruman Rai, 12, who train at Go Moose Martial Arts Academy based in West Bromwich, have been selected to represent their country at Wado-ryu European championships taking place in Sardinia, Italy.

The duo, who are both first-dan black belts, will be competing in the kata categories.

Mansell won three gold medals last year while Rai will be representing England for the first time. They will fly out with their instructor Shannon Parsons, 26, who runs the club.

Competitors from across the continent will battle it out for pride and silverware when the tournament takes place on October 22.

Parsons, from Wednesbury, who is a third-dan black-belt, said: “I am very proud of both of my students. All of my students are superstars, and Ruman and Abbie have worked so hard with the squad and in training to be the best they can.

“I can’t wait to see Ruman and Abbie flourish on the mats in Sardinia and bring home the medals.”

Mansell, from Hill Top, has been selected to represent England for the third year running. Last year she won gold in the individual, paired and team kata categories.

She said: “I can’t wait to go and represent my country and do the best I can.”

Meanwhile, Ruman, from West Bromwich, has worked tirelessly to be selected to represent England for the first time.

She said: “I can’t wait to go away, I am so proud of myself and I want to go out there and do the very best I can.”

Wado-ryu was formed in 1934 in Japan but was spread to countries around the world, including those in Europe and America, by students who travelled from the Far Eastern country.

Among those was Tatsuo Suzuki, who died in 2011, who came to England and brought the style of karate to the Midlands.

The kata competition has different rounds. Two competitors take turns to perform one kata each, and the judges pick a winner who they feel performed their kata the best.

Katas are detailed choreographed patterns of movements. There are 15 in total in Wado-ryu which vary in length and have a variety of different moves.

Students can pick any of the 15 katas they want to perform. The championships are open to students from aged 10 up to the senior categories of 45.

Parsons has been running the club, based in Woodward Street for eight years but has practised karate for 18 years.

Mansell and Rai were picked for the England team after competing and impressing judges in monthly trials before undergoing a tough selection process in April.

Shannon added: “I wish them the best of luck, the work starts now.”