Karate star crowned world champion
Dan Triangle Karate Club star Christopher Anthony was crowned champion at the Karatenomichi World Federation (KWF) Conference and World Cup in Malta.
This is his second medal in as many global meetings, with the gold being the ultimate improvement in addition to the bronze he won in his first World Cup in Japan in 2015.
Anthony, who is the son of Dan Triangle trainer Sensei Chris Anthony, was the last man standing in the men’s open division for kumite (freestyle fighting).
“This means a lot to me. Growing up I never used to do well in tournaments and I didn’t win much,” he said.
“I was in a very difficult group and I didn’t think I was going to come out of it. It (the victory) still feels unreal. It was just my day.”
Quizzed on his improvement from his last showing at the karate jamboree in Asia, he said: “Hours on the dojo, hours on the floor, practice, practice, practice every day.”
Anthony’s practice regimen is a mixture of technique training, body weight training, time matrix and sparring.
On when he was announced the victor in his final fight, Anthony said: “I can’t even remember. It was shocking to say the very least.
“Believe in yourself. Don’t lose before the competition.”
Thirty-one countries took part in the competition. – @SabeloBoksburg
