TALENTED young martial artist Tayla O’Brien (above, left) proves that she’s the top of the blocks as she protects herself from Veras Karate Academy clubmate Alice Kupce’s commanding kick.

It’s a sight that Sensei Raphael Veras says he wants to see a lot more of in 2018 as he opens the doors at the Ringcross Community Centre in Holloway to new members.

His karate crew from across Camden and Islington are in training for the new year, which gets underway with the English Karate Federation Champion­ships in Leicester next weekend (January 13 and 14). But Sensei Veras insists that 2018 isn’t all about winning medals and titles.

“We are always happy to welcome new members into our karate family,” he said. “We don’t only cater for those who want to fight, we also have classes for people who just want to get fit, try something new or a little different, or who want to develop greater mental strength and mindfulness.”

To find out more about what the Veras Academy has in store in 2018, visit their Facebook page.