Mohammad Reza (third one from the left with a blue belt) celebrating the medal with his Iranian friends in Chelsea team.Mohammad Reza, a PhD student in Medical Image Computing Group at the University of Kent, won two bronze medals in London International Karate Championships last month on 30th May. He has been the team captain in the University of Kent Karate Club since 2008 and has brought many shiny medals back, such as a gold medal at British University and Colleges Championship (BUCS) and a bronze medal in European Championships.
This time was no different; he has competed very well in two categories against his opponents. In category Senior's -75 kg Individual Kumite, he overcame four opponents to get through the semi-final. In the semi-final he had a beautiful fight against his friend from Iran (Esfandiyari, former national team member of Iran).
“He was an amazing fighter, so fast!” said Mohammad. In the end, Esfandiyari got the gold and Mohammad brought back the bronze medal in the category.
In Team Kumite, he competed in three rounds with the Iranian Team. In the third round they drew against Manchester but due to the score difference they lost and Mohammad's team came 3rd, bringing back another bronze medal.
Mohammad has been training hard for the past few years to achieve his ultimate goal: competing in World Championship. He is optimistic about going to one of the World Championships soon.
Mohammad says he is very thankful to his instructors Mark Caddy (karate) and Chris Payne (fitness and strength). “Chris has made me much stronger than what I was during the past few weeks. I hope this strength and fitness program continues as it is. I should thank Mel for putting this great program for scholars,” said Mohammad. He also acknowledges the help of the sports scholarship that he was awarded by the University of Kent Sports Centre.
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