Karate kudos for teens

TWO young members of the Southern Warriors Martial Arts Karate Club have notched up significant achievements in recent days.

Fifteen-year-old Rhys McKinley received one of eight Ballarat Junior Sportspersons of the Year awards sponsored by the Sportsmen’s Association of Australia Ballarat Branch on Wednesday 19 November.

The award included a $300 Sportspower voucher and a plaque.

Fellow club member Lachlan Treloar, 16, competed successfully in the seventh IKOKU World Cup held last weekend on the Gold Coast, winning his Kata division (15 to 25 years 3rd kyu to Nidan).

Southern Warriors Martial Arts Dojo manager Camilla Barker praised the two for their achievements.

“Rhys has been a consistently solid tournament competitor over the past few years,” said Barker, who is also an instructor.

“His most notable achievements have been winning the SO-Kyokushin National Cup events in 2023 and 2024 in the 13 to 14 years Clicker division (light touch point scoring).

“Another standout performance was at the ShinKyokushin Victorian State Championships this year where he was bumped into a higher age division, male under-18 non-contact, and won.

“Rhys has also had standout performances in his kata division, placing first at the ShinKyokushin Victorian State Championships this year and second in 2024 at the SO-Kyokushin National Cup.

“It’s wonderful to see him recognised by the Sportsmen’s Association of Australia Ballarat Branch for his outstanding sporting achievements.

“Being one of Ballarat’s Junior Sportspeople of the Year is a testament to his ongoing determined work ethic, skill and training commitment.

“This award is well deserved and a true reflection of his remarkable success and dedication to his training.

Barker said Lachlan has had a huge karate year, having been graded for his Shodan black belt in October, and competing interstate at a World Cup Kata Competition.

“Overseeing Lachie’s preparation for both events were incredibly rewarding moments for our instructors,” Barker said.

“His passion for karate coupled with his training discipline have played a huge part in these successes.

“He trained incredibly hard for this World Cup experience and the stage doesn’t get any bigger with countries attending from all over the world.

“Lachie’s ability to remain focused, committed and disciplined with the level of training required are a testament to his performance on the day.

“Stepping onto the mat isn’t easy but he trusted his preparation was strong enough, and the result was a moment he’ll remember forever.”