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Japan trip packs a real punch
A KARATE couple swapped the North East for the Far East by making a trip to the home of martial arts.
Carl Jorgeson and Amy Coulson, both 26, have returned from spending 12 months living and working in Japan under the Shiramizu Japan Karate Internship.
The karate enthusiasts, who live in Oxford Road, Hartlepool, picked up competition wins after training with international champions and also found work teaching English to Japanese children.
Carl even found time to climb Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, between training and competitions.
Carl, who has practised karate for 22 years, said: "It was an amazing experience. It was something I have wanted to do all my life, and it was better than I ever imagined.
"It was hard work as we were training three times a day and had competitions, but we were with national and world champions so it was just incredible to be there.
"Japan is the centre for karate and I think everyone that does the sport has to go there at least once."
Since coming back in July, Carl has devoted his life to the sport and is now full-time chief instructor for Hartlepool Wadokai Karate club after previously being a retail manager.
He is planning on introducing karate into schools across Hartlepool and already has classes running in Owton Manor, Brougham, St Helens, West Park and Throston primary schools as well as Belle Vue Sports and Social Club.
He showed off his skills in Japan by picking up a string of medals in local competitions.
Amy, a police community safety officer for Durham Police, also picked up wins and was awarded her black-belt during their stay.
He added: "Amy did brilliantly and picked up her first gold medal over there. Imagine winning your first gold in Japan and getting your black-belt.
"There was a lot of pressure on us to prove ourselves but I think we did all right. We made a lot of friends and had a good time.
"I definitely want to go back."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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