FIGHTERS from a Benfleet karate club have added British glory to their English title.

Uechi-Ryu members Rob Camp, Jack Lowe, Alfie Ambrose, Joe Denham and Jamaal Otto won the English boys cadet team gold medal in April.

And they landed the national crown at the British Karate Federation Four Nations Championships in Scotland.

The two-day event in Edinburgh also saw Uechi-Ryu fighters perform well individually too.

Rob won the British championship in 14/15 boys’ under-63kg kumite, with Jamaal taking gold in the under-70kg kumite for the same age group.

Jack added a silver in the 15 years boys’ under-57kg kumite and Alfie claimed second spot in the 15 years boys’ under-70kg kumite section.

Rounding off a successful weekend in the Scottish capital were Joe, who took bronze in the boys’ 15 years under-63kg kumite, and Tianee Harvey, who was third in the girls 12/13 years kumite.

Elise Williams and Kirsty Reid also competed at the championships, but just missed out on medals despite good performances.

“It was brilliant because not only did they make it as a team, the five boys also won individual medals,” said Ueichi-Ryu sensei Dean Lowe, who is Jack’s dad.

“We had people coming up to us saying we have five of the best fighters in the country.

“The pressure was on them after they won the English title, but they took it all in their stride.

“It was also good to see Tianee get a bronze, and Elise and Kirsty did well too.”

The BKF Four Nations Championship is an open event, which means it features the best fighters from the various karate styles competing.

That level of competition is beneficial for Robert, Alfie and Jack, who have been selected for the England A squad, which is managed by Jamaal's dad Wayne.

They are currently training for a fight-off later this year with other England squad members to select the team to represent the country at the European Championships next year.

Joining them will be Kirsty, who received her call-up to the England squad yesterday.

The Uechi-Ryu club has classes at Benfleet, Canvey, Billericay, Laindon and Hutton. Contact Dean Lowe on 07590 993055 for more information.