North Weald karate instructor sensei Ian Cuthbert led a group of youngsters to medal success at the International Karate Union World Junior and Cadet Championships in Italy.

Current European champion Charlie Collins, from North Weald, added a world title to his list of achievements, winning the male junior over 80kg category 6-2 against the current senior world champion, Romania’s Robert Manea.

North Weald’s Mareid Ladbrooke, 13, won gold in the girls 12/13 years over 50kg with a memorable 4-2 win against her Irish opponent.

Sebastian Weller and James Scollan, from Buckhurst Hill, claimed the boys’ 13 years kumite (fighting) in the light and heavyweight sections respectively .

In the cadet categories 14 to 17 years, Riona Jayakody, from Buckhurst Hill, took first place against a strong Russian opponent in the female cadet 14 to 15 lightweight section, while Rafat Razzaque, from the Woodford club, romped home 6-0 in the final of the boys 14 to 15 under 60kg event.

Woodford’s Jamie Carroll won the male cadet 16 to 17 years over 75kg, beating a strong Brazilian opponent in a sudden death fight off after normal time saw them tied at 5-5.

Big sister Shauna Carroll also took gold in the junior 18 to 20 years over 68kg, beating her Serbian opponent 6-0 with an excellent tactical approach in her contest.

The event also incorporated a children’s world games for Under-14s.

Seventh dan Cuthbert travelled with fourth dan Julia Heenan, who was part of the coaching team.

The next major event is November’s England Nationals at Loughborough.