Bradford College

National Karate Champion Crowned

Bradford College Web Developer, Solvita Rovite has now been crowned the National Champion for the ‘United Kingdom Traditional Karate Federation’ beating off stiff competition from almost 1,000 entries nationwide.

Despite a sprained ankle the night before the competition, Solvita was determined to compete. A passion to succeed, pain killers and the support of her team kept Solvita going during the national championships, which saw her go on to win two gold and two silver medals in the Kata and Kumite sections, in both team and individual contests.

Speaking about how it felt to have completed the competition despite her injury, Solvita smiled and said: “It was great – it was such a good feeling.” Solvita credits her success to team effort, humbly remarking: “I wouldn’t be anything without my team and my club.” The Saxon Club’s teams competed against each other on their way to the finals in some events as their final tally reached six national titles, 14 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze medals.

Solvita continued: “Obviously we worked hard to get there and we didn’t have much time to practice together, but I think we’re a very good team, with the potential to improve and go on to further success.”

The Saxon Club, holds weekly classes at the Appleton Academy in Wyke and at various locations across Yorkshire and Lancashire.   

Saxon Senior Coach Sensei Leigh Smith (Sixth Dan) commenting on the success of the national championships said: “It was a fantastic day and a testament to the members’ dedication in their everyday training. I have long been a believer that if your regular class instruction is of a high standard, then winning competition is a matter of course. The thing to remember is that victory belongs to every member who entered, regardless of personal results.” 

The former Latvian National Karate Champion is no stranger to success and has amassed an impressive collection of awards in the eight years since she took up karate.  To prepare for the competition, focused Solvita trains five days a week to ensure she is in peak condition when she competes.

Solvita reflected: “I’ve always been passionate about Karate.  If you want to win and you want to be good, you have to train hard all the time, but I’ve never trained to win a competition.  I’ve always trained to improve. Perhaps that’s why I’ve succeeded? The competition is just a stage in training to demonstrate your level of expertise, but it’s never a goal… it’s just part of the fun.” 

Solvita concluded: “I’m really grateful to my club and Sensei Leigh Smith.  They’re my family and mean so much to me, especially after all their support!”