CARRBROOK’S Jack Wilson has been selected to compete for England in the Commonwealth Karate Championships which are to be held in Birmingham in September.
And aged 18, Jack will be one of the youngest competitors in the Under-21 kata section in which he will have realistic hopes of a medal in the event which takes place weeks after Britain’s second city hosts the Commonwealth Games.
Jack’s selection for the event on September 7-8 is another highspot in a memorable year in which he has already competed in France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Poland and Egypt.
Successes have seen Jack pick up medals at the Paris Open and Central Europe Open in Poland, results which now see him ranked seventh in Europe and 25th in the world, both at U21 level.
Jack, a former pupil at Buckton Vale Primary and Mossley Hollins High School, said: “The Commonwealth Karate Championships are a massive competition, and it is a privilege to be selected to represent my country.
“Some of the athletes taking part I have got to know as competitors and who have also become friends.
“They are from different backgrounds and cultures, and there is also the karate.”
Though Jack primarily competes in U21 events, he has also featured against seniors.
“That is really good experience as opponents are a lot older, stronger and bigger, and that challenge has been very beneficial.”
Jack added one of his main obstacles remains finance and he is self-funding, even when representing his country.
He said: “I have been very lucky to go abroad to compete so many times this year, but it costs a lot of money, and I am actively seeking sponsorship.
“I hate asking, but I am purely self-funded. That side is very tough. I am not in it for money, just a love of the sport.”
He recently launched a GoFundMe appeal to help fund the recent trip to Prague.
Jack, who delayed going to university to concentrate on karate, is working at Ashton firm Brand Twelve to raise money to fund his trips.
He also thanked Jonny Turner, from Brand Twelve, for the financial support he has offered and members of Tameside Karate who has chipped in along with his parents.
His coach at Tameside Karate, Julian Mallalieu also self-funds to accompany Jack on his trips.
Jack, who also attends monthly England squad training, has earmarked further competitions in Budapest and Venice this year as well selection for the World Karate Championships in Turkey.
It has been a successful year so far for Jack who competes in the World Karate Federation’s 1-Series and aims to pick up points to qualify for the sport’s Premier League which features the world’s top 100 players.
“I didn’t want to put only half the effort. I am giving absolutely everything to try and go as far as I can in the sport,” he explained.
Jack was only six years of age when he took up karate and secured his black belt aged 10.
He has been a member of the Copley Recreation Centre-based Tameside Karate where he has been coached since the age of nine by Senseis Sharon and Julian Mallalieu.
Anybody able to help with sponsorship can email Jack’s coaches at genbukaiuk@yahoo.com
Here is Jack’s gofundme page.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jack-represent-england-in-the-europeans?member=19433039&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer