Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Oleta Adams

Get Here

Listen Live

Ripon steps up to support England's rising karate stars

Friday, 16 January 2026 11:47

Sensei Ady Gray.

Ripon is playing a proud part on the international sporting stage by supporting some of the country's stars of the future.

Five young athletes from across England are preparing to represent their country at the European Karate Championships this February.

And various Ripon area businesses have offered their support - free of charge.

Ady Gray of The Karate Dojo in Ripon is England Head Karate Coach.

He said:

“I’m delighted that these elite competitors - each selected within their respective age groups - are undertaking their final preparations right here in Ripon.

"Karate is a sport recognised by the Olympic movement, and these young athletes are training at the highest level.”

He continued:

“Unlike many national programmes, England’s karate athletes are entirely self-funded.

“Their journey to the European Championships has only been made possible thanks to the generosity and community spirit of several local businesses who have stepped forward to offer their support free of charge.

Training and wellbeing support have been provided by The Karate Dojo in Ripon, Exhale Yoga Studio led by Nicola Gray and Core Fitness led by Sam Barratt.

In addition, the Boroughbridge Crown Hotel has offered reduced-rate accommodation for the athletes’ families.

The Ripon Inn also contributed with a small room discount, which has been gratefully received.

Ady said:

“It’s inspiring to see how our small city is helping to shape the future of the England U21 Karate Team.

“Ripon may be modest in size, but its impact on these athletes’ European Championship journey is anything but small.

“We hope to continue hosting and preparing England’s top young karate talent for major championships throughout the year.

“Little old Ripon is making a big difference - and we couldn’t be prouder!”

More from Local News

Harrogate taekwondo master awarded MBE for long-standing contribution to sport

Harrogate taekwondo master Kambiz R. Ali has been awarded an MBE in recognition of decades of dedication to sport in the local community.
Harrogate dance group set for world record attempt

A Harrogate dance group will join 1,500 dancers in an attempt to break a world record with chart-topping DJ Sigala.
Gareth Southgate visits popular Harrogate pub

Former England manager Gareth Southgate was spotted enjoying a quiet drink at a popular Harrogate pub this week.
Classic car event set to return to Ripon

A classic car showcase will return to the grounds of Grantley Hall this summer.
Ripon students take alcohol-free campaign to Parliament

Ripon Grammar students have won praise after taking their alcohol-free message to Westminster.
Ripon's Grantley Hall named best place to stay in North and North East

Grantley Hall in Ripon has been named the best place to stay in the North and Northeast.
Harrogate Mayor cuts ribbon at opening of new interior design shop

The Mayor of Harrogate has officially opened a new interior design shop in what was his 100th official engagement.
Celebrity chefs rally for Yorkshire children's cancer charity

Five of Yorkshire’s leading chefs are coming together at Rudding Park for the five-course fine dining event of the year in aid of Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.
Resurrected Bites CEO Michelle Hayes announces departure

Michelle Hayes has announced her departure from Harrogate charity Resurrected Bites as CEO.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators

Yorkshire residents are being invited to apply for the next series of the BBC's Gladiators.
Harrogate recycling firm tips forecasts with £16.5m turnover despite tough trading

A Harrogate-based independent recycling brokerage has announced revenues of £16.5 million in the year 2024–2025 — surpassing its original £12.5 million projection.
Cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre increases by more than £2m

The cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre has risen by more than £2m, councillors will be told next week.
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned

A proposed rule change to make taxis more accessible could "finish off" the trade, North Yorkshire councillors have been warned.
Call for decision on Maltkiln masterplan to be delayed

Ambitious plans to create a new village to help meet housing targets in North Yorkshire need further work, it has been claimed.
Ripon pupils raise over £9,000 for Parkinson's charity

Ripon Grammar students have raised more than £9,000 to help support those living with a disease which has touched the lives of many in their school community.
Harrogate Fundraiser to share story of 9,000-mile unsupported bike ride to the himalayas

When Harrogate resident Thorsten Bruce set off on his new touring bicycle last spring, he wasn’t setting out to break records, rather to raise funds for charity and to avoid regretting never having tried.
Harrogate pupils achieve distinctions across the board in drama exams

Pupils at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after being awarded the highest marks possible in their drama exams – for the second consecutive year.
Harrogate hospital shortlisted for two national awards

A care provider which runs Cygnet Hospital Harrogate has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s HealthInvestor Awards.
Hampsthwaite school goes red to support children's heart charity

Pupils and staff at Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School have taken part in a Wear Red Day to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrade reaches new milestone

The project aims to transform Studio Two at the venue to create larger breakout conference rooms.