Ashcombe pupil Steffi Killick has become Dorking Freestyle Sport Karate's first female Irish Open Champion.
Killick from Westcott travelled to Dublin with a small Dorking team. Coach Steve Foot had high expectations as the British Champion had been showing good form in her training with the GB WAKO Point fighting squad, and with two years' Irish Open experience, this was going to be her year.
Being a seeded fighter, Killick had a bye in the first round draw, which can be a disadvantage as her first opponent would be warmed up and ready.
The second round draw brought Killick into contact with a strong Irish champion. Killick ploughed through this fight, propelling her into the Irish Open final for the first time.
Along with her brother, father and coach, they worked out a plan against her Italian Champion opponent, to stay away from her high, sharp front kicks and counter with her own side kick to the body, following up with some fast hand punches.
After the three-minute round, Killick won five points to two, and received a huge roar of support on the final bell, as she is a well-liked and supported fighter. Tears were shed as, after 20 years, Dorking Freestyle now had a female Irish Open Champion.