A STUDENT who took up karate to give her self-confidence a kick has been selected to fight for her country.
Northallerton College student Rebecca Boakes will travel with the England squad to Nagoya, Japan, in August, to compete in the Wadokai world championships. The 16-year-old, of Northallerton only took up karate four years ago to boost her self-confidence in the face of playground bullies at a previous school. Now a black belt and member of the Mujushin Karate Association she has twice represented her country securing two silvers at the European Open in Sweden and four silvers in the European Championships staged in Reading. She trains with the England squad every month and is hoping to be selected for the 2020 Olympics due to be staged in the spiritual home of karate, Japan. “I had trouble with bullies at primary school and my mum suggested taking up karate when I was at the Allertonshire to help my self-confidence,” said Rebecca, who is hoping to study biology, chemistry, maths and English literature at A Level, with a view to become a neurosurgeon one day. “I liked it from the start and had only been doing it a few weeks when I got my first taste of competition. I enjoy the feeling it gives you and being part of a family in my club and the England squad. “Going to Japan is very exciting and a bit daunting. It is unbelievable to think that I have gone from a shy girl to someone competing to be world champion.” Her father Mark has just created a training room – a dojo – at their home. He said: “It just clicked and she loved it right from the word go. The coaches told me there was something special about her from very early on. She is totally dedicated and trains all the time.” Head of PE Anna Harvey added: “Rebecca is incredibly passionate and committed to her sport and thoroughly deserves the success she has enjoyed so far. I think the whole school is looking forward to her competing at the highest level in Japan and will be supporting her all the way.”
