Islington-based Veras Academy secured a total haul of 10 medals – including one gold – at the English Karate Federation National Championships in Sheffield.

Luca Veras, competing in the 8-9 years’ kumite, brought home the academy’s gold medal, while Sam Mrabet was a silver medallist in the Under-75kg senior men’s kumite.

There were also silver medals for Luan Veras, Liam Veras and Seyhan Cinar in the 10-13 years’ kata section, as well as one for Harry Elves in the learning disability kata.

Mrabet (senior open men’s kumite) and Luan Veras (boys 10-13 years’ kata) added a bronze medal apiece to the tally, as did Chloe Casimir in the girls 14-15 years’ kumite at Over-54kg.

Jasmine Pomeroy claimed a brace of bronze medals in the Under-68kg and open weight senior women’s kumite events, as well as linking up with Donna Blake to win yet another bronze in the team kumite.

Head instructor Sensei Raphael Veras, who trained the squad along with coach Alton Brown, said: “I am extremely proud of my team. Each one is working towards individual long-term goals and this competition was an important part of that journey.

“Each of them performed to their best ability and I could not ask for more than that.”

For more information about the academy’s activities, visit www.verasacademy. co.uk