Home   Maidstone   Sport   Article

Millie Knight swaps paralympic skiing success for martial arts glory with gold at National Championships in Sheffield

Paralympic skiier Millie Knight has enjoyed more sporting success - this time in martial arts.

Knight - a four-time paralympic medallist - claimed gold for Maidstone's Shukokai Karate Academy at the National Championships in Sheffield.

SKA's gold medallists Jake Worton and Millie Knight are off to the Commonwealth Karate Championships.
SKA's gold medallists Jake Worton and Millie Knight are off to the Commonwealth Karate Championships.

The 23-year-old from Canterbury, who now lives in Ashford, won in the visually impaired female para kata section - the club’s second national title with Jake Worton also taking gold.

Knight and Worton will now compete for England at the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham later this month.

Clubmates Sam Purfit and Nathaniel Frimston added bronze medals on a successful weekend for SKA, who train at various venues across Maidstone.

Worton, 15, took gold in the +70kg male cadet kumite (fighting) event, beating a current England international en route, and adding to his British Championships silver in March.

In a tough final, a head kick for three points gave him the lead and a spinning head kick in the final seconds secured SKA’s first gold since their formation in 2018.

Purfit won bronze in Worton’s category, while Frimston, of Downswood, finished third in the -70kg class.

Chief instructors Sensei Chris Simpson and Sensei Katie Simpson said: “It is a joy to see our students reaching such a high level.

“They all work so hard and Jake and Millie achieving gold makes history for our association and gives all our members the knowledge that with lots of hard work, determination and effort, it can be done.”

Worton has also been picked to represent the south east regional kumite team in Luxembourg in September, along with Harishan Pirapakaran.

Anyone interested in joining SKA should email kentkarate@gmail.com or see shukokaikarateacademy.com for details. Alternatively, call Chris on 07801 639052.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More