WHEN Kiama karate exponent Dee Lancaster travelled to Great Britain recently to compete in the over-35s Go Ran Ryu World Cup 8 in Liverpool, she was out to "exorcise the demons" of a disappointing performance at last year's world titles.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She did just that, coming home with a gold in Kumite (point sparring) and a bronze medal in Kata.
"Go Can Ryu is one of the world's leading karate organisations and was established in Adelaide in 1984 by Kancho Robert Sullivan as a way of bringing the martial art of karate in reach of everyone, regardless of age or fitness levels," Lancaster said.
"It was such an awesome atmosphere competing against some really tough competitors from the UK, New Zealand and I had my whole family with me supporting me all the way."
The 41-year-old's karate career began in 2002, and after a break of a few years to raise her three children, she returned to training in 2011. She was graded to Shodan Ho (Provisional Black belt) in 2014.
Her goal is now to be graded to Shodan Black Belt.
Leading up to the tournament, Lancaster had been training in Dapto, Wollongong and Sydney with the state team, and had also been coaching.
"I was really disappointed with my performance at last year's world titles and to return home with two medals is beyond my wildest dreams and to have my family there was extra special," she said.
Lancaster is an assistant karate instructor at Kiama High School on Monday nights from 6pm to 7.30pm.
"There are about 20 people in the class and they range from as young as five and up to 60. We have all abilities - and you don't have to have any experience."
She has achieved some amazing feats throughout her career and has now been on the tournament circuit for four years.
Her motivation is derived from the support that she has been given.
"I have had a lot of amazing support from GKR region students and instructors.
"The major reason that I could compete and succeed was because of the determination, passion, support and encouragement from my husband and life coach Mark Lancaster."
Lancaster is training at Anytime Fitness in Kiama and Kiama Body Shop, and has now turned her short-term focus to her coaching.
"I'm currently working with some enthusiastic kids as they are getting prepared for the NSW state titles, which is followed by the Australian National Championships in Melbourne in November," she said.