Karate kid keeps his British title

A KINGSWOOD boy has grappled his way to a second consecutive national karate title.

Brandon Greenwood, nine, retained his British International Championships crown after beating competition from more than 50 other competitors.

The Kingswood karate kid started kicking and blocking when he was just four years old.

Chris Greenwood, Bran- don's dad and coach, said: "He took to it like a duck to water.

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"It is fantastic to see him doing so well and we are all really proud of him.

"It all started when he found out that I did karate and he wanted to come along and try it. He just took to it and has never really looked back.

"He has improved so much and if he keeps going I'm sure he will have more successes in the future."

Brandon has spent countless hours practising at his home with his brother Hayden and his dad.

"I can't believe I have won the title again," he said.

"I am really happy and, hopefully, I can win a lot more.

"Having my dad as my coach really helps because he knows a lot about karate."

Brandon has already had a string of successes since taking up karate.

In October 2011, he represented England in the Kata Individual Male under-tens category of the British International Open Championships 2011.

Competing on behalf of Wado UK, he beat 13 challengers from three different nations to claim gold. He claimed the silver medal in the same competition last year.

Brandon also scooped his first British International Championships title in 2011.

Mr Greenwood and his wife Kathleen live with Brandon and their three other children, Hayden, Daniel and Christopher, in Kingswood.

Brandon travelled with his family to Sheffield for this year's tournament.

Mr Greenwood said: "He performed as well as he possibly could have and won it quite comfortably in the end.

"For me, he is the best around for his age in his category.

"Since he has started karate he has grown in confidence both in and out of the sport and that shows when he competes."

Brandon now has his sights set on the European and World Championships.

He said: "I want to compete in bigger competitions and test myself against better opponents."