WITH reference to the 'Sporty' article (Barry and District News, January 30) I wish to respond to the writer M Johns.

Firstly because The Vale Karate Organisation train in a 'traditional' art does not mean it's not modern.

Secondly, whether the governing body comprises mostly traditional association or not is irrelevant to its status.

The WKGB is the Sports Council recognised governing body for karate in Wales.

Therefore any karate group in Wales that is not affiliated to the WKGB is not recognised by the Sports Council.

The WKGB is the only route for anyone who trains in karate in Wales to ever compete in the officially recognised European or World Championships,

The Commonwealth Games or in the future the Olympics!

The WKGB is affiliated to The World Karate Federation, one of the worlds largest governing bodies in any sport.

It is recognised by The International Olympic Committee as the only world governing body for karate.

If David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Maurice Green or any other great sportsmen of the past or present were members of clubs affiliated to their national governing bodies we would never have heard of them. That is the bottom line.

There are many exceptional karate athletes, including those of The WFKO who because of reasons known to them, remain outside their governing body and therefore will never receive the recognition they deserve and that is a great pity.

Rob Copeland VGKO Chief Instructor WKGB Assistant National Coach Woodland Road Barry