JKS Scotland family duo selected to represent in competition

Callum Cairns, who runs karate classes across Helensburgh, and his stepfather and Arrochar sensei Derek Hazlett, received a call from JKS Scotland national team.

They were called up to represent Scotland in the prestigious Polish Open which took place in Bielsko-Biała on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20.

The pair had only returned to competitive karate after a long break from the main stage, as they lead the revival of the martial art in the Helensburgh and Lomond area post Covid-19 with their respective clubs.

The group selected by JKS Scotland to represent their country in the Polish Open (Image: Newsquest)

The men had only got back into competitive karate a year ago after focusing on setting up their classes in Helensburgh and Lomond (Image: Newsquest) Callum returned to his roots to bring karate to a community he grew up in for 14 years after opening clubs in Paisley.

In October last year, the former Rosneath student started JKS Clyde classes in Centre 81 in Garelochhead hoping to inspire a new generation of Karateka.

READ MORE: Karate instructor in Garelochhead shares delight after students get orange belts

Meanwhile Derek, who has represented Scotland at the 2013 JKS World Championships in Tokyo, runs classes at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar.

Derek Sensei competed in the masters A section and made it to the quarter final of the kata, and was narrowly beaten 3-2 in the quarterfinals of the kumite.

Derek Hazlett represented Scotland in the 2013 (Image: Newsquest) However, Callum Sensei competed in plus +84kg section for kumite and made it to the quarter final of his pool losing out to the competitor that finished third. 

He also made it to the quarter final of his pool in the senior male Kata.

Callum Cairns had set up different classes in Garelochhead, Cardross and Helensburgh (Image: Newsquest)

 Callum told the Advertiser: "This was a large scale event with over 2,800 competitors from all over the globe who compete in the Series A, K1 Premier league and other top tier karate competitions.

"We earned very respectable finishes in our categories and thoroughly enjoyed the event gaining some valuable experience to take back to their own dojos.

"We feel very honoured that JKS Scotland selected us to represent our country in this international competition."

To find out more about JKS classes with Callum and Derek visit jks-clyde.mymawebsite.com for Cardross, Helensburgh and Garelochhead or jks-arrochar.mymawebsite.com for Arrochar.