HOLSWORTHY’S Mark Hardwick has won gold at the World Karate and Kickboxing Union World Championships.

England international Mark, who trains at Gesar Karate in the North Devon town, headed to Trier in Germany at the end of October, where he took on the word’s best in both team and individual events, the latter seeing him secure two silvers and a bronze.

Mark said: “This year, I had the incredible honour of representing England at the world championships and what an unforgettable experience it was. I came home with a gold medal in the men’s over-18 Team Kumite, competing alongside Allan Westwood and Harley Cottis.

“I also earned two silver medals in individual Kumite (under 75kg and under 80kg categories) and a bronze in Weapons Kata. Standing on the podium wearing the England badge was something I’ll never forget.”

He continued: “My karate journey began back in 2007 at just eight years-old when I joined Gesar Karate under the guidance of Sensei Hjalmar Dentlinger. From the very first lesson, I fell in love with the discipline, challenge and focus that karate demands.

“I achieved my black belt in 2014 and my second dan in 2017. I trained with the club until university, when I joined the Teesside University Karate Society to continue developing my skills. After university, I took a short break from competing while settling into work life, but my passion for karate never left me. Returning to train at my original dojo felt like coming home to family.

“In 2024, I achieved my third dan black belt – a goal that had been years in the making.

“I now train twice a week at the dojo and once a month with England. Strength and conditioning at the gym have also become an essential part of my routine as I’ve stepped back into competition. Encouraged by my Sensei, I returned to the tournament circuit, performing well at local opens, GB opens and EKO events last year.

“Representing England has been a truly rewarding experience. It’s taught me not only about karate, but about self-discipline, perseverance and teamwork. I’ve gained a second family through my dojo, Sensei, and team-mates.

“The support I’ve received from my family, my club, and the local community has been incredible, and I couldn’t have achieved any of this without them.”

Mark has plenty more competitions coming up, but is keen to divert the praise to where it all began.

He said: “I’m also proud to share I’ve recently been appointed assistant traditional weapons coach for the England team ahead of next year’s World Championships in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to give back to the sport and help other athletes reach their potential, just as my coaches have helped me. Our club sent 11 members to represent England at the World Championships – eight juniors and three adults (myself, my Sensei, and his wife, Sensei Sam Dentlinger).

“Together, Gesar Karate came home with an incredible 33 medals in total – an amazing achievement for a dojo based in Holsworthy! Seeing everyone’s hard work and success on the world stage has made me even prouder to be part of this community.

“Looking back, I could never have imagined the journey I started as an eight-year-old white belt would lead me all the way to the world championships. It’s been an incredible adventure, but it’s only just beginning.”