A Wigan karate instructor has returned home as a World Champion after winning gold for Great Britain at the WUKF World Championships in Romania.
Sensei Amy Davis, a 3rd Dan black belt and founder of Shouri Karate Club, won the Female 36 to 40 Years Under 60kg Kumite title after defeating competitors from the Czech Republic and the USA.
Representing AKA Great Britain, Amy opened the competition with a 7-2 victory over her Czech Republic opponent, finishing the contest with an Ippon, before beating a competitor from the USA 6-3 in the final to become World Champion.
The victory marks the biggest achievement of Davis’ international career, adding to a medal haul that already includes three World Championship bronze medals, three European titles, two European silver medals and a European bronze.
While the title is a personal milestone, Amy says her greatest motivation is bringing everything she has learned on the world stage back to her students in Wigan.
“Becoming World Champion is something I have worked incredibly hard for, and it is difficult to put into words what it means,” she said. “I have represented Great Britain at international level for many years, experienced the highs and lows of competition and learned a huge amount from every tournament. To finally become World Champion is incredibly special.
“What makes it even more meaningful is being able to bring that experience back into my own club and share it with my students. I want them to see that with hard work, consistency and belief in yourself, you really can achieve things you once thought were out of reach.”
Alongside competing for Great Britain, Amy is also part of the AKA Great Britain coaching team and teaches at Shouri Karate Club, where children from the age of five and adults of all abilities train each week.
“I want my students to know that being a champion isn’t just about winning medals,” she added.
“It’s about getting back up when things don’t go your way, learning from setbacks and continuing to work towards your goals. That’s the message I want to pass on to every student who walks through our doors.”
Amy hopes her success will encourage more people to discover karate, whether they want to compete or simply improve their confidence, fitness and wellbeing.
Shouri Karate Club welcomes children from the age of five, as well as teenagers and adults, with classes for complete beginners through to experienced martial artists.
Classes are held at:
- Tuesday: Woodfield Primary School, Wigan Lane, WN1 2NT
- Wednesday: Hawkley Hall High School, Carr Lane, WN3 5NY
- Thursday: Tina’s Dance School, Throstle Nest Avenue, WN6 7AS
For more information, visit www.shourikarate.com.
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