Gilwern Karate Club’s Andrew Chelmis was fighting to stay awake recently after completing a 12-hour fundraiser to raise money for the national team who will be taking part in this August’s International cup held in Dublin.

The fundraiser was a 12 hour karate-a-thon where eight karate instructors took eight individual sessions running from 7-7pm.

The club’s Matt Stockham explained, “There was no minimum or maximum amount of sessions to complete. Participation was enough as completing all 12 hours was an extremely hard challenge.”

Yet one member of the Gilwern Club dug in deep and stayed on his feet for the duration and that was the man Chelmis.

Stockham added, “We would like to congratulate Andrew Chelmis on his massive achievement.”

In late June the Gilwern squad were back in action when they took five members to the annual KYU grade championships in Brecon.

Stockham told the Chronicle, “The age ranged from our youngest member who is four-years-old and the oldest who is 73, which proves beyond a doubt that karate really is for everyone.

“For some it was their very first competition having not trained for very long, and for others it was the last time they maybe able to enter this particular event as they will be grading for black belts soon.

“With only five competitors we were not expecting too much from the squad but after the day’s events had finished we came away with one Gold, one Silver and seven Bronze medals. A very pleasing result for the coaches and competitors. We also finished seventh in the medal table. Congratulations to everyone who tried their very best on the day.”

Gilwern karate club trains every Tuesday and Thursday in the village hall and has two classes.

Tigers class, 3-6 years old, 5.30pm-6pm. Main Class, seven years and above, 6pm-7.30pm.

Training will continue throughout the summer holidays. First lesson is always free and the club also give a family discount.

If you are interested or have any enquiries please ring or message Matt Sensei on 07813553686, or Email [email protected]

Fighting fit: Pictured with Andy are some of the club members who congratulated him.