High hopes for Hanya as she gets kicks from karate contest

KARATE queen Hanya Kowalczuk is preparing to kick out the competition after being selected for the European Championships in Verona.
Hanya Kowalczuk has been selected for the World United Karate Federation European Karate Championships in VeronaHanya Kowalczuk has been selected for the World United Karate Federation European Karate Championships in Verona
Hanya Kowalczuk has been selected for the World United Karate Federation European Karate Championships in Verona

The 21-year-old cleaner from Pudsey will travel to Italy for the World United Karate Federation’s European Karate Championships competition in June.

Hanya was chosen after going through a rigorous selection process.

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She will be competing in both kata and kumite events and has recently achieved a Boxercise instructor’s qualification.

Hanya said: “I’m excited but nervous. I’m training three or four times a week and at home and I just love it.

“I went and watched the World Championships in Romanis and that inspired me to try harder.”

Speaking about her day job as a cleaner, Hanya added: “It’s nice to have the change.

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“I can feel tired after work but when I get to training it’s a whole different energy.”

Hanya trains at the Kaizen Martial Arts Academy in Stanningley.

Instructor and owner Jim Reece said: “I am chuffed to bits and over the moon.

“Hanya is a grafter and trains hard and I’ve never seen anybody so motivated.”

To help fund Hanya so she can go to the championships, visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kaizenmaa/.

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