A TRIO of students from a karate club will compete for England at the World Championships in Japan.

Thea Priest, George Tarr, and Lucie Tarr, students at Somerset Ryu Karate in Wellington, will join the competition that will take place in Tokyo next year in July.

They will compete in kata, meaning "form" in Japanese - a detailed choreographed pattern of movements made to be practised solo.

Peter Milne, chief instructor, said: "I'm incredibly proud of our trio of students selected to compete for England at the World Championships in Tokyo; it is a great testament to their hard work and progress since starting karate at a very young age.

“We have such a supportive community at Somerset Ryū Karate, and all will be greatly inspired by Thea, George and Lucie - it demonstrates just what can be achieved at our club if you really set your mind to it.

“Thea, George, and Lucie also compete for JKS England, our association, having earned selection at their national trials back in January.

“This is the second year George has been on the squad, and the first for Lucie.

“Thea has been an international competitor for many years now, and has enjoyed great success abroad - most notably winning both gold and bronze medals at the 2017 WSKA World Championships in Italy.”

Thea, third Dan, said: "It’s a great honour and privilege to be selected to compete in Japan; the home of karate. This experience will undoubtedly be the highlight of my karate career, regardless of results”

George second Dan, said: “I am so grateful to have been selected for the JKS World Championships in Japan along with my younger sister Lucie.

“It’s such a great opportunity and honour to represent my country at this international tournament with my England teammates.”

Lucie, first Dan, said: “I’m really looking forward to travelling and competing in Japan for the JKS World Championships, especially with my big brother George there with me. When I heard the news, I was selected, I thought I was going to burst with excitement.”

The club opened its first permanent dojo inside the historic Tonedale Mill, Wellington, in July 2021 and has just celebrated its 10th anniversary.