A group of young karate enthusiasts from Bridgwater are part of England’s team going to Japan next month to represent the country.

A team of 16 Wado-Ryu Karate students has been invited from England to take part with seven of those coming from the Budo-Juku Karate Club based at the All of Nothing Club in Bridgwater.

The UK-based Wado Academy provide part funding for the candidates to go over to Japan.

Sensei Arthur Meek, of Budo-Juku, has had candidates go to the tournament many years ago but he said this is the first time he has taken young competitors to the tournament.

He said: “Some of them have been training already – they are still young but some of them have been training with us for seven or eight years. We’ve also got two seniors who have been with me for 8-10 years – they are black belts, the others are brown belts.”

Athur said he expects it to be a tough challenge for the group.

He added: “They are going to find it tough. It will be nice if they get into the semi-finals. If we can get some into the second day of competition, that will be a good platform.”

The group are going to stay in Japan for two weeks, so after the tournament, the youngsters will get the chance to experience some Japanese culture.

Arthur, who lived in Japan when he was in his 20s, said: “It’s a different culture in Japan – it’s an amazing country and it’s a great place to see for the youngsters.”

The tournament, which is held every 2-4 years, takes place on August 24 and 25 in Tokyo.