Wins for the Warriors at states

BALLARAT North’s Southern Warriors Martial Arts club made an impact at the annual Shinkyokushin Victorian State Championships in Footscray last weekend.

Sixteen competitors, from juniors to adults, took part in the comp which featured all styles of karate, before two medals and four trophies were brought back to Ballarat by the group.

Malakai Phillips was awarded under 10 non-contact champion, while Campbell Treloar was named under 12 non-contact champion.

Also in the non-contact division, Elliott Marson placed first in the under 14 section, while his sister Adelle Marson placed second in the under 12s.

“It’s such great validation for that kids that their months of hard work can result in such strong results,” dojo operator Camilla Barker said.

“We encourage everyone to give competitions a go because it’s the only way they can step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves, and these events are few and far between, unlike other sports.

“There are not a lot of opportunities to compete in karate, so we were so pleased everyone felt confident to take part, even those that haven’t done it before.

“They all performed to a very high standard and that’s all you can ask for.”

Barker also celebrated two of her lead instructors who refereed on the day, and some parents who competed in the state champs and train alongside their kids at the club.

“This isn’t something parents can do in other sports, but through karate, there is this opportunity for bonding and training with your children,” she said.

“Parents Matt McKinley and Mandy Treloar competed in the kata division, and it was such a positive experience for them as first timers to do it alongside their kids.

“We love that they’re not on the sidelines watching, they’re in there having a go.”

Barker also commended the karate community, not just her team, for their sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

“Everyone was shaking hands, saying congratulations and well done; that’s all part of what we do.” Ms Barker said.