Tower Shukokai’s Imogen Skipper continued her winning streak with more medals at the AMA North East Open karate championships.

Imogen, who ecently turned 16, still qualifies for the ‘cadet’ category of 15 to 17 years but is increasingly competing now with the senior women too.

She contested the cadet individual Shobu Sanbon (three point) event, and fought her way to the final. In what is becoming a classic sporting rivalry she found herself again drawn against her team-mate and friend, Danielle Dunn of Middlesbrough. The more experienced Dunn is current European champion in the Single Point (shobu ippon) discipline. In this final Imogen opened her account early confidently defending and countering the Middlesbrough girl’s early attack and took the first point. Dunn quickly replied but Imogen was able to regain the lead. Showing deft footwork and mature ringcraft the Blacksnape fighter held her opponent at bay for much of the match holding on to her lead until, with 30 seconds to go Dunn managed to kick her friend’s head from what seemed an impossibly close range, for two points and a victory.

After the match Imogen said: “I’m not disappointed with silver. In fact, I am encouraged that I fought so well. I am convinced its only a matter of time before I beat Dani.”

Imogen went on to fight in the Womens open weight team event as part of the AMA ‘B’ team and took another silver, losing to AMA’s ‘A’ team in the final, although she drew her bout.

Her coach and father, Martyn said: “Imogen is maturing as a competitor all the time. We are delighted with her progress and expect great things of her in the future.”

Tower Shukokai Karate Club meets on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings at Edgworth School and caters for all ages and abilities.