Harry Marsden, a skilled karate practitioner from Colchester, is gearing up to represent his country at the Commonwealth Karate Championship in Durban, South Africa. As a Second Dan black belt, Harry will be competing in the male team kata event, showcasing his exceptional talent on an international stage.
Unlike many other competitive sports in England, karate is self-funded, requiring athletes like Harry to cover their own training, travel, and competition expenses. To support Harry in managing these costs, he has launched a GoFundMe campaign with a target of £700. This initiative aims to gather financial assistance from the community to help Harry pursue his passion and represent his country with pride.
Having previously clinched gold at the 10th Commonwealth Karate Championships in Birmingham in 2022, where he represented England in the Male Team Kata, Harry is no stranger to high-level competition. Sharing his karate journey, Harry mentioned that he began training at the age of seven and achieved his black belt at 14. Since then, he has been dedicated to honing his skills and representing England at various competitions.
Harry, who is also the current individual Male Senior British Kata Champion, uses his platform at Pro-Karate Academy to inspire both children and adults in Hertfordshire and Essex. Through his classes, he helps individuals improve their skills, boost their confidence, and enhance their physical fitness levels.
One of the parents of Harry’s students, Joanne Storey, set up the GoFundMe campaign to support his journey to the Commonwealth Karate Championship. She praised Harry as an inspirational Sensei who not only excels in competition but also instills confidence and self-belief in his students.
With the competition fast approaching, Harry and his supporters are working diligently to ensure he is well-prepared to compete in Durban. Despite the limited preparation time, Harry expressed his excitement about the opportunity to represent England on an international stage. He highlighted the intense training schedule he has set for the next few weeks to sharpen his skills and be ready for the competition.
For companies interested in sponsoring Harry’s journey, they can reach out to him directly at senseiharrymarsden@yahoo.com. Donations to support Harry’s participation in the Commonwealth Karate Championship can be made at https://gofund.me/befd0f93. Your contribution will not only help Harry fulfill his dreams but also showcase the talent and dedication of local athletes on a global platform.
