This year SKSM Karate Malta will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Malta Karate International Open editions since 2003.

The “Malta Open 2012” is going to be held on Saturday, at the Don Bosco Sports Complex in Dingli.

This year’s edition will be hosting top world class athletes from Scotland, Italy, Luxemburg, Russia, England and also top Karate athletes from Malta.

This is another big opportunity for the local Maltese karate practitioners to compete at world level on local grounds.

The technical side will be under the guidance of Ms Lucienne Galea (Malta) an Internationally qualified Karate referee.

The event, comprising 53 categories, will start at 9am with the Juniors Kata, then proceeding with Cadets and Seniors Females and Males, both individuals and teams. They continue in the afternoon with the Kumite categories.

A high level in both Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring) is expected from different national and international athletes.

International athletes taking part include Alton Brown (UK), European Kumite gold medallist and team winner in the World Kumite Championships, Perfenov (Russian and European Champion) from Russia, Holmes (Kata from England), Van Schil (European silver medallist) from Luxemburg, Bonadonna (Kumite) and Inserra (Kata) from Italy, Sneddon, Goodwin and Whyte (Team Kumite) from Scotland (all national and international champions).

Other top athletes from a total of 12 countries including Israel, Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Malta, will be taking part as well.

The chief organiser, Chris Galea, from SKSM Karate Malta, emphasised on the need of supporting our local athletes who for sure will do their best in obtaining satisfactory results like in previous years.

The general public is encouraged to attend and support the local athletes. For more information, one may call on 7953 7924 or visit www.sksmalta.com