Congratulations to teenager Connor Brown from Dunfermline and Woodmill HS who has been awarded a First Dan Black Belt by JKS Scotland, the karate national governing body that has encouraged and supported him throughout his career in martial arts.
Connor recently won silver at the JKS national championships and already has a green belt for judo. Connor has a type of cerebral palsy that impacts on an arm and leg on one side of his body but is able to use all four limbs in martial arts. Connor trains daily at home and at the Duloch Centre and his levels of fitness are exceptional.
Connor is an exceptional all round young sportsman excelling in cross country, track and field, swimming and rugby. After he leaves school in the summer of 2019 Connor hopes to pursue a career in sport and recreation. Juggling his many commitments is his greatest challenge but fortunately Connor has always had a supportive family behind him all the way.
JKS Scotland is currently the largest and most successful Shotokan karate federation in Scotland. JKS has 98 clubs across the country with a membership of over 5000 students. The Scottish Headquarters are located at Elgin Industrial Estate in Dunfermline. Disability Sport Fife considers JKS a key partner in the provision of inclusive karate.
Inclusive coach Paul Giannandrea from JKS Scotland appears in the photo with Connor. The JKS club in Dunfermline includes a significant number of students with disabilities in its weekly programme. Paul has been Connor’s coach for many years and is understandably delighted with his progress.
Connor is heading to Grangemouth next Wednesday for his final SDS Scottish Junior Swimming Championships. All the very best Connor. You are a true role model for us all.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife