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A group of talented karate fighters has qualified to travel to compete a major international tournament in Japan next year, after a successful effort at the Australian titles.
Teenager Alayna Wright led the charge with four first placings, in the full contact sparring, points, kata and freestyle age division categories. Conor Gilchrist took out the men’s black grade full contact event, while Benjamin Wood won the 11-12 years points sparring division.
Adding the school’s success Ruth Mawbey was second in the freestyle sparring, while Oliver Rudland, Riley Smith and Daniel Mawbey also did well at the national competition, held at Homebush in Sydney.
“We’ve had a great year, it’s a great achievement for them to qualify,” sensei Natalie Wright said.
“They’ve had to develop their own skills as well as learn how to respond to opponents from other disciplines with other skill sets.
“We’ve got some fundraising to do, but it’s a great opportunity to go to Japan and compete.
“Conor started us when he was only 13, so to see his journey to now competing as a man in full contact is exciting and rewarding.”
The performances come after dominant efforts at the state titles, many with only months of training.
However, black belt Abbey Wright was forced to miss the national titles because of a knee injury, having won the NSW full contact and 16-17 years sparring. The international titles, involving competitors from the Japan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka and the United States, begin in Yokohama on May 5.
