An 11-year-old from Hatfield bagged gold in Japanese fencing at the British Kendo Association’s National Iaido and Jodo Championships 2023.

Colin Umeyama is the youngest competitive athlete to ever take part in the National Championships.

On Saturday, June 3, a Japanese fencing school in Knebworth, Dojo KenYuKan, entered its students into the competition in the West Midlands.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Colin Umeyama is the youngest competitive athlete to ever take part in the National Championships.Colin Umeyama is the youngest competitive athlete to ever take part in the National Championships. (Image: Edward Lee Umeyama)

KenYuKan is the study and practice of traditional Japanese martial arts disciplines with both sword and staff. 

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Welwyn Hatfield Times: On Saturday 3rd June Japanese fencing Dojo KenYuKan entered into the British Kendo Association’s National Iado and Jodo Championships.On Saturday 3rd June Japanese fencing Dojo KenYuKan entered into the British Kendo Association’s National Iado and Jodo Championships. (Image: Edward Lee Umeyama)

As well as his gold win, a trio team that including the 11-year-old won silver after fighting their way into the final.

The current team GB manager Colin Poter said: "It is a pleasure to see wonderful swordsmanship skills demonstrated at the national competition.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Along with Colin, a trio team that included the 11-year-old, won silver after fighting their way into the final. Along with Colin, a trio team that included the 11-year-old, won silver after fighting their way into the final. (Image: Edward Lee Umeyama)

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"Those who do well will be prime candidates to be selected for the British Iaido team in Europe this year."