Spanish test awaits rising karate star Noah after England selection
A Bispham youngster’s rise through the karate ranks will see him represent his country on the international stage later this year.
Thirteen-year-old Noah Johnson, from Oldfield Avenue, is part of the England squad heading to October’s WKC World Championships in Cadiz, Spain.
Noah, who trains under Dale Noble at Blackpool Karate on Cornwall Avenue, will compete in the under-40kg category after coming through February’s national championships at Doncaster Dome.
“He’s been doing karate just short of five years now,” explained mum Lauren.
“He was so young when he started but he can stand up for himself and he’s so respectful of other people; it’s really big on the discipline side of things and listening to people.
“Once you step in there, it’s a different environment to school life where everyone might be different.
“Instead, everyone respects each other and he loves it for that reason.”
Noah isn’t the only family member to develop karate skills, with eight-year-old sister Daisy now also training.
His progress sees him in possession of a brown belt with two stripes, closing in on the prized black belt.
Reaching the World Championships is the latest stage in a journey which had previously seen Noah take time away from the sport.
Lauren explained: “He started high school and that can be a difficult time for any child.
“He took a year out before he went back to it and said that not only was he going to compete again, he was going to represent England.
“He went to the nationals and said he was going to win it – and then came away with a place at the worlds!
“I’m so proud of what he’s done. It’s hard being 13 years old anyway, so to push forward and do what he’s done is fantastic.”
However, that progress has come at a price with a fundraiser having been set up to cover the cost of Noah’s trip to Spain.
The family is looking to raise £1,100 from donations and sponsorship, with £405 having been pledged through a GoFundMe page at the time of writing.
Anyone able to donate or possibly sponsor Noah can find out more by visiting the GoFundMe site and searching for ‘Karate World Championships’.