The excitement was palpable in Santry on Sunday as schoolboys and girls from all over Ireland, Scotland and England competed in the Shotokan Karate Championships.

Although the Scottish walked away with most of the medals, the Irish put on a proud performance, and many competitors found it a very worthwhile experience.

One competitor, Joshua Norton (Sandford Park School, Ranelagh), absorbed the atmosphere at the competition.

He said: "The mindset of people at the competition was to do their best. People stuck together as a team, and encouraged each other. There was a real sense of sportsmanship."

REGULARLY

Joshua received his black belt in November last year at only 13 years old. He competes regularly, and even took part in the world championships in Japan in 2007. Joshua shares his enthusiasm for karate by assisting his instructors in teaching the younger kids in his club. Joshua said: "I do karate because I really enjoy it, I like how it's taught, and I like the mentality and discipline that comes out of it. I like the whole package."

Fellow competitor Donal Gunning (Gonzaga College, Ranelagh), who also competed on Sunday, has come a long way in a short time, getting his black belt last November at 14 years old, and also competing in the world champions in Japan in 2007. He enjoys competing, and appreciates the manner in which karate is taught. Donal said: "Karate teaches you discipline and control. It's fun."

Donal is glad to share his knowledge of karate with his younger siblings, and help them with their gradings. Aoife (aged 13, Loreto, St Stephen's Green) also competed on Sunday, as did Niamh (aged 10, Sandford National School, Ranelagh) and Cormac (aged 8, Sandford National School, Ranelagh).

Many parents attended the event to support their children. To parents, the attraction of learning karate at a young age is that it teaches not just the physical aspect of the sport, but has mental and emotional lessons for their children as well.

Anne-Marie Norton, mother to Joshua, has seen first-hand how karate has helped Joshua's focus and concentration levels over the years, and she has an appreciation for the way karate is taught to children.

"The way karate is taught is very humble and respectful, rather than aggressive; bullies don't last very long," she said. Anne-Marie also believes that good breathing techniques used in karate have come a long way to help alleviate Joshua's asthma.

Judging at the competition on Sunday was Joshua and Donal's instructor, Sensei Scott Langley.

An international instructor and world champion, Scott knows from years of teaching experience that karate positively affects all aspects of a teenagers' life.

"Karate is unique within the sporting field as there are no 'naturals' where physical or mental talent is a prerequisite, and therefore it is accessible to absolutely everyone," he said.

"In a safe environment karate goes beyond the physical and is proven to develop fitness, co-ordination, self-control and self-awareness".

So for those that have seen the Karate Kid, Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan films, and been impressed by the flying kicks, battle cries and fierce blows of the action heroes, you now know the true philosophy of karate.

It's has a foundation of non-violence, promotes personal growth and, most importantly, it's for everyone.

- Louis Owens