Tainsh makes it four in a row

Published on 09/10/2012 00:56

KARATE: Matthew Tainsh (Royal High School) has won the under-16 title for a fourth time in a row at the Scottish Karate Federation National Kata Championships. He also won the under-16 pairs for a third successive time.

A specialist in the Wado-Kai discipline, the 16-year-old has had a special year as he also won a third European Championship in the same category.

The Edinburgh youngster, who is coached by Allan Spence at the Ainslie Park Club, started karate when he was just six and was a black belt by the age of ten. Matthew missed this month’s British Championships due to tonsillitis, but aims to be fit for a first tilt at the over-16 European Championships in Vienna on 2 November.

And he doesn’t let his passion interfere with his school work. He is sitting five Highers this year – and is grateful for the support of all his teachers.