Newark Shotokan Karate Club members fundraising to compete for England at the JKA World Championships in Tokyo, Japan

Three members of a karate club have been chosen to represent England on the world stage for the first time and are fundraising to help cover the costs of getting to the event.

Newark Shotokan Karate Club members Shaun Cassidy, Josh Hyde and Lorenzo Constantin have all been selected to represent England at the JKA World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in October.

Shaun and Josh both represented England at the Japanese Karate Association European Championships in April, hosted at the Sport Vlaanderen in Gent, Belgium. The competitors tested themselves against the best from 27 European countries in kata (forms) and kumite (fighting).

Shaun and Josh both competed in kumite, individually and as part of the Senior Men’s England Team, which was victorious on countback and achieved gold for the first time in the Japan Karate Association (JKA) England’s 21-year history.

Shaun said: ‘I’m absolutely over the moon about being selected for the World Championships in Japan.

‘It’s going to be such an experience - a once in a lifetime type of situation. To be able to represent my country at the elite level in Japan, the birthplace of Karate, is a dream come true.

‘I hope to expand on the success from the Europeans just gone. In October there will be teams from every country in the world, it will be a lot tougher competition.

‘I also hope to gain success in my individual event and hopefully be standing on that podium in Japan.’

In order to get to World Championships, the trio need to raise £1,400 each to cover the costs of their flights, and accommodation as well as some transport and entry fees. A Go Fund Me page has been set up by the club to help them reach their target and has so far raised £1,400 of its £3,000 goal.

To support the fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/help-newark-skc-members-get-to-japan-to-represent-england

Shaun and his fellow England teammates are also putting on a training course where each will teach and pass on their experience and knowledge to those in attendance.

‘Hopefully the students attending can gain some experience and some help with their fighting. Each of our individual fighting styles are different and hopefully that comes across and people can take what they want from each of us,’ adds Shaun. ‘I’m very grateful for the support from my fellow club mates hoping to attend, cheer me on and to also experience the unique place that is Japan.’