Warriors succeed in national dojo

A BALLARAT karate group has made an impact at a recent major competition in Wollongong in New South Wales.

Southern Warriors Martial Arts members took part in the SO-Kyokushin National Australian Cup earlier this month and there were some local winners in the mix.

In the clicker, or touch division, Rhys placed first for kids aged 13 to 14, while Braxton took out the boys’ nine to 10 years section for padded contact.

Also in the clicker division, Campbell and Malakai both placed second in the kids 11 to 12 years, and nine to 10 years sections, respectively.

Dojo operator Camilla Barker said the cup was the first interstate comp opportunity for the club due to the pandemic.

“We had nine students compete, eight of which were selected based on their performances at tournaments earlier in the year,” she said.

“All the students had to adapt to a different style of competing, and format that we haven’t done before, so there were challenges that came with that.

“By nature of the divisions, Braxton hadn’t done anything like that before and was really willing to step up to the challenge at such a young age, which is to be commended.

“They needed to adjust their mindset as it wasn’t the same as they’ve been training and competing in other events.”

The tournament hosted 85 competitors across the clicker and padded divisions, and teen and adult full contact sections.

“It was a huge weekend of travel and training but an experience that will help us all grow,” Ms Barker said. “Our team truly rose to the occasion and achieved so much.”