Leeds Karate Academy instructor Matt Price was runner-up in the UK sports development coach category at the UK coaching awards 2013.

Matt, 41, who is head coach of the JKS England National Team, was invited to attend the glittering evening event at the Montcalm, Marble Arch in London.

Matt, a 6th Dan Black Belt, had amazing success last year with both the Farsley-based Leeds Karate Academy squad and the JKS England National Team.

At the awards ceremony, he was part of numerous mainstream sports elite coaches, with Warren Gatland being named UK coach of the year after leading the British and Irish Lions to their first Test series win in 16 years.

Previous winners have included Jessica Ennis-Hill’s coach Toni Minichiello and England cricket coach Andy Flower.

It is a massive accolade for a karate coach to be recognised in this way.

The UK Coaching Awards 2013, supported by Gillette, celebrates the role and performances of coaching and coaches at every level, from community coaches to elite coaches.

After the event, Matt said: "It was great to meet many of the top coaches from so many different sports. It was a great honour to be at the awards and especially good to see karate getting some recognition."

Anybody interested in starting karate can contact Nick Heald on 07747-607283, by e-mail at n_heald@hotmail.com or via the club's website at www.lka.org.uk.