MARTIAL artists from Dunfermline inspired JKS Scotland to top the medal table at the recent European Champions in Japan Karate Shoto in Copenhagen.

A squad of 38 competitors – 30 of whom from the Honbo Doju club in Elgin Industrial Estate – led Scotland to a total of nine gold, 10 silver and seven bronze medals in a performance that exceeded the expectations of JKS Scotland officials.

Shokotan – the most widely practiced style of karate - is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. No fewer than 21 students from Dunfermline claimed medals in Denmark, with Jamie Sinclair topping the individual medal table with three golds and one silver.

Other medalists included Taya Cleary, Minnie Brocklesby, Kirsty Gove, Kaiya Garriock and Lucy McRorie who claimed a team gold; Taya Cleary (two silver); Jamie, Willie and Owen Sinclair with a family team silver; Ross Doig (silver); Rory Todd (bronze); Robert Steggles (one gold, one silver); John Douglas (gold); Kyle Doig and Jack Gibson (team silver); Lewis Steen and Max Penman (team bronze); Minnie Brocklesby (bronze); Rhuraidh Poole (silver); Rhuraidh Poole, Arran Steen and Owen Sinclair (team bronze); Jack Gibson (silver); Jamie Sinclair (three gold and one silver); Eilidh Jones (one gold and one silver); Calum Atherton (bronze); Ben Woods (one gold and one bronze) and Arran Steen (bronze).

Paul Giannandrea, of JKS Scotland, said, “Our performance completely exceeded our expectations, especially as there were 17 countries there. To top the medal table ahead of powerful nations like Russia and Ukraine was brilliant and the first time it has happened to us. Three quarters of our side came from Dunfermline which has a long association with karate and martial arts. It is one of the most participated in sports in West Fife and as well as the structure and discipline it brings, competitions like the European championships are an avenue for kids to go down. They’ve done extremely well and we’re delighted.”