DOUBLE Commonwealth karate medallist and winner of the Bradford Sports Awards, Katelyn Entwistle, is returning to grassroots coaching in her home city of Bradford.

An injury (quadricep tear) forced her to withdraw from international competition, so Entwistle is now looking to pass on her skills to the next generation.

“When I became injured and was told that it was unrealistic to continue competing at the highest level, I was understandably devastated," Entwistle said.

“It was the probably the toughest moment of my life so far, not just physically but mentally too.

“I’d got to a very high standard of competition and was looking to progress through to Olympic qualification, which was my dream.

“Unfortunately, things didn’t work out as planned with the injury, but it’s opened up a new door to coaching and I’m in love what I’m doing at the moment.”

Entwistle is currently coaching alongside Robin Reid Sensei (5th Dan) at his Dojo (JKS Bradford) in Heaton, Bradford, and she confirmed that she’s really enjoying her time there.

“I’ve been there for the last few months now and I’m loving it,” said Entwistle.

“I have been taught by some of the best instructors around the world and was truly stunned that I was not aware of Robin or his Dojo so close to home.

"His knowledge and ability are truly impressive. We are looking forward to working together at his grassroots traditional karate school.

“Given my passion for coaching children and especially children with additional needs, the future with Robin Sensei and the JKS Bradford dojo is exciting.”

Robin Reid Sensei started training in 1981; he has been a part of JKS Bradford Karate Dojo since 2002 and is the chief instructor. His grading examinations have been undertaken by the most experienced Japanese karate masters in the world.

Robin Reid Sensei said: “I am delighted that Katelyn is going to be coaching the next generation at JKS Bradford. As instructors we have a great deal to offer each other, with my traditional approach and Katelyn’s sports and competition background.

"We are excited to be working together, passing on a vast combined wealth of knowledge to our students.”

He continued: “We are currently welcoming new students to our classes. We want to make karate accessible to everyone. This considered, we are currently offering a free trial class for anyone who wishes to try karate for the first time.”

Discussing here future within the karate world, Entwistle said: “It was a long and challenging period for me, of around one year, to recover from my injury.

“Fortunately, this door opened at JKS and I’m so thankful it did because I love giving back to the community and sharing my experiences within the sport. Of course, it makes it that extra special with it being in my home city.

“Right now, although I can see the door opening up for my return to competition, I want to continue with coaching because I’m really invested in it. We’ll see what happens in the future.

“I hope that I can get some students to a competition level; that’s my goal.”

JKS Bradford Karate Dojo is a non-profit organisation run by a team of volunteers.

Classes are held at Heaton Tennis and Squash Club on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Further details can be found through the club’s website, www.jksbradford.com.