Karate’s best to converge on The Arena

GEELONG Arena will transform into a temporary dojo on April 23 when the country’s top karate athletes meet for a day of action and discipline.

An annual feature on the national Kyokushin Karate calendar, the Victorian Non-Contact and Knockdown Championships return to the City of Greater Geelong next weekend to showcase the skills and spirit of karate competitors from all over the country.

“We have over 130 entries ranging from five-years-old through to 50-years-old,” Chairman of the Victorian Kyokushin Karate Association and organiser of the event Gary Viccars said.

“This event has always been held in Geelong and is recognised as one of the best Karate tournaments in Australia.

“We have competitors from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania, as well as a huge contingent from Victoria.”

The Championships also serve as the first stage of a selection process in selecting a team to compete in the World Cup in Chile in December.

It is expected that there will be several Victorians and competitors from Geelong in the team according to Viccars.

“This event is all about improving the ability and character of the contestants, by them learning what their bodies can and cannot do, while instilling a never give up attitude,” he added.

“This tournament has been running in Geelong since 2001. We have a non-contact section for children and adults, and a full contact section for Junior Colts (aged 14-15), Colts (16-17) and adults (18+).

“The full contact sections allow for full contact to the body and head and full contact punches to the body.”

Mr Viccars said all proceeds from the event would go directly towards sending the Australian karate to the World Cup at the end of the year.