Gethin Adams - well on his way to a Karate Black Belt

 
Gethin Adams is the latest talented young exponent of karate that he come off the conveyor belt of talent at the Milford Haven Karate Club, where Kevin John does a great job as head coach and his assistant is none other than Gethin’s father Rowland.
 
Now in his mid-teens, Gethin has worked really hard to reach Brown Belt and only needs to complete his grading in the high rank before he will be allowed to work even harder and reach the coveted status of Black Belt First Dan.
 
His elevation to first kyu comes after his most recent grading around Christmas, where he was assessed under the strict rules of NAKMAS, the governing body of the sport, not only with regard to his fighting ability but also in his remembrance of a range of other factors like ‘Kata’ (showing a sequence of set moves), ‘Gumite’ (paired work with an appointed partner) and ‘Kumite’ (sparring against a series of opponents, fitness and commitment, plus an adherence to the strict etiquette of his sport.
 

Early start after watching twin brother Iestyn

 
Gethin started out after his twin brother Iestyn joined the club and he joined dad Rowland in going along to watch as often as he could at the hour-long sessions. He was invited to go down on the mat - called The ‘Dojo’ - took to it starlight away and although Iestyn later stepped down Gethin has been heavily involved ever since and really relishes the way that all the instructions are given in Japanese and have to be remembered to progress through the grades.
 
He started off with a white belt, like all the other members of the club, but was soon passing the grading for red, yellow, orange, green, blue and purple belts to reach his current status - and is rightly proud of his membership licence and grading record.

 

Fighting for recognition

 

Gethin started out in the fighting part of the sport in the Welsh Karate League before he’s reached being a teenager and as a lad of big build he did really well at the start as he competed along the M4 Corridor at Neath, Swansea, Cowbridge and Cardiff and he was a soon moving out of the preliminary rounds and was picking up his share of bronze and then silver medals.

 
Then it was off to the Welsh Championships at Merthyr Tydfil and came third out of 16 in a quality field from all over the country - and then joined Kevin, Josh Whatling and Connor John in a trek to London for the World Union of Karate Federations (known as WUKF), fighting some older competitors but eventually winning a team bronze for Wales alongside club-mate Connor and two there from Swansea.
 

Other outside interests

 

Outside of his karate, much of his time is spent studying at The Pembrokeshire College, studying Hospitality & Catering at Levels One & Two in the same year. He has already had some work experience at the ‘Ty Hotel’ in Milford Haven, having been interviewed at their headquarters at Celtic Manor and by the Head Chef and Sous Chef back in Milford Haven.
 

Gethin also played rugby for almost two seasons with Milford Haven Juniors but then decided he had to focus on his karate and sadly had to forsake his other sport, perhaps with a view to returning when he has more time.

 
He is lucky that he has total support from his dad Rowland and mother Helen, whom he describes as “a brilliant taxi driver” who will take him anywhere in pursuit of his chosen sport.

 
He knows that although he has done really well so far there is still plenty of work ahead if he is to reach his ambition to achieve ‘Black Belt’ status by the time he is 18 - but we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk can see his total commitment and great support from his family and Kevin John - and will be telling you a little more about Gethin Adams when that day arrives!