Horsham athlete hopes Japan move will take karate talent to next level

Luke Harty, 20, has visited Japan a number of times to compete and coach in the martial art, and he believes living in Asia will take his talent to the next level.

He said: “I have been training with some really good people, world champions, and I’ve seen the amount of effort it takes to get to that position. It is all day, every day.

“It is a chance to practice with the help of really high up coaches.

“I just want to get really good. The only way to get noticed in competitive karate is to be noticeably better, and it is quite hard because it’s a level playing field.”

Luke has been working at Sainsbury’s to save up for his training, and hopes to fly out in April or May.

He also trains with the local free running group Storror, and said his friends and family have been supportive.

He said: “I think my family just want me to do whatever makes me happiest, and they will be happy about food costs going down!

“Eventually I want to move out there, so it is a tester.

“Everyone is so polite - in London it is the polar opposite. The food is another good point!”

He added: “I want to get a medal in a world championship by the time I’m 30.

“I’m hoping to get to my first one in Germany this November if I get selected.”

Luke has appealed to businesses for sponsorship to help towards living and training costs. Anyone interested can email him at [email protected]