BRADFORD brother and sister Leon and Sophie Kowal are making waves on a global scale.

St Bede's pupil Leon, who has been a national champion nine times, has won a World Cup event in Liverpool, while eight-year-old Sophie, of St Joseph's Catholic Primary School who is a six-time national champion, was runner-up in her category.

"There were 70 competitors in Leon's section," said 7th Dan international Fred Fawcett, who coaches the duo at Bradford Shotokan Karate Academy at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre, "and quite a few in Sophie's.

"The event is very important, and there were competitors from all over the world.

"But the great thing is that Leon and Sophie are so polite and so normal.

"They haven't let their success go to their heads, and, what could be even worse, neither have their parents."

Fred, a former international competitor himself who tipped Leon to hit the heights several years ago, added: "They go where the competition is – whatever the karate organisation.

"This will give them the experience they need for when they are older.

"I used to get hauled before my organisation when I was competing for moving between organisations, but just said 'I am winning. What are you worried about'?"

Between them, although their combined age is only 20, the Kowals, from Little Horton, have already won over 50 medals or trophies.

Further information on the Academy is available on their website at www.bradfordshotokanacademy.co.uk or by ringing Fred on 07787-880330.