A win for Warriors in Werribee

SOUTHERN Warriors Martial Arts is going from strength to strength, having won the non-contact division of a recent teams competition in Werribee.

Dojo operator Camilla Barker said the club experienced their first major success moment at the Shinkyokushin Best of the Best Tournament.

“We’ve been for many, many years, but this is the first time our club has won,” she said.

“For them to come away with medals reinforces the training they’re doing and the hard work and commitment they’re putting in. It validates that they’re on the right track.

“It opens doors to compete statewide, nationally, and even internationally, and gives them the confidence and the self-belief that they can achieve these goals when they put their mind to them.”

Two non-contact teams of seven were entered, aiming to fight without hitting their opponents, and to execute clean, crisp, effective, and controlled techniques without making contact.

Seven kata teams made up of groups of three aimed to perform a series of movements and techniques in a synchronised pattern, demonstrating rhythm, timing, and fluidity.

“There’s so much more to martial arts than the fighting side of it,” Barker said.

“One of our non-contact teams placed first, and two of our kata teams – instructors and under-12, placed first.”

A second place was achieved in the under-16s, and adult junior division, and a third place in under-12s.

With the club’s youngest competitor aged eight, and the oldest aged 47, Barker said the team nature of the comp made it a unique one.

“It’s a collaborative, bonding, team-building exercise which gives veterans, who have done it before, an opportunity to showcase skills,” she said.

“We had two instructors compete and be our team captains in the non-contact division, which the kids really enjoyed.

“They got to see their teachers doing what they do, and executing what they teach, which is really special.

“It also gives people that have been thinking about entering tournaments… a fun chance to step onto the mat and be part of a group, and if they’re successful, they get so many more round opportunities.

“There’s lots of non-contact sparring with other dojos or clubs, for up to six or seven rounds, which is unusual for karate tournaments.”