National All Styles Martial Arts Tournaments

South Australia State Titles

In other junior competitions there were plenty of young competitors showing off their skills in the junior divisions giving credit to their clubs and instructors and providing encouraging signs for the future of martial arts in South Australia and future NAS competitions. The pee wees 7 years and under sparring displayed the skills of two such young competitors Connor Prior and Zac Miles who put in a tough round with Connor coming out the winner

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As the day progressed it was evident that the title of State Champion was foremost in competitor's minds as all competitions came down to the wire and competition was fierce. The audience was appreciative of the high level of skill on display and the referees were kept on their toes all day.

A stand out fight as the adults hit the floor mid morning it was great to see that they brought the same level of energy to the competition as the juniors had. A standout competition was the Male Sparring Intermediate 7th - 4th Kyu with a close fight between Andrew Ong (Tang Soo Do), Jamie O'Sullivan (Ryu Kon Karate) and Anthony De Vizio (Ryu Kon Karate). Anthony's toughness earned him a third place beaten only by the strength and determination of Andrew and Jamie who finished first and second respectively.

After lunch the competition opened up in earnest with the Open competitions. Jessica Dubois (Go Kan Ryu) won the women's Continuous Advanced Open in a tough fight against fellow club member Leslie McDonald. With Jason Couzner (Independent) winning the men's event ahead of David Morris (White Tigers) and Anthony De Vizio (Ryu Kon Karate).

The Women's Black Belt Open Sparring was another fiery display with Kolynda Driehuis (Adelaide Tang Do So) providing quick hands to hold off her determined opponents Catherine Wilkinson (Go Kan Ryu) and Zarina Greenberg (Tang Soo Do).

The highlight of the day the Men's Black Belt Open Sparring was once again won by Jason Couzner with his solid punches and skilled kicking. Ryan Humphreys (Tang Soo Do) was a well deserved second after a spirited bout again Jason. Third place was won by Ian Rollings from Go Kan Ryu.

Another successful day of competition, thanks to all competitors, referees and table officials for their contribution. Now on to the Nationals, good luck to all of our competitors.

1. Competitor Profile

Name: Lesley McDonald

Style: Go Kan Ryu Karate

I've been training with Go Kan Ryu Karate since 1992 along with my parents, Chris and John McDonald. It's a big family affair as more recently we have encouraged three of my cousins to join in as well. I received my Nidan Blackbelt in 2004 and am currently training to attempt my Sandan in the next year. My parents and I along with my cousin Nik, all train as part of the South Australian Go Kan Ryu state team on Sunday nights and I also attend senior classes throughout the week and regular gym, fitness and strength training sessions.

I've been competing with NAS since 2000, apart from 06-09 seasons when I was living in Japan. In that time I've won the Open Female Black Belt Forms four times. What I like about the NAS competition is it gives me the chance to be more creative in my kata and do something a little bit different. I also like to see the differences between different styles of martial art forms and meet people from other schools.

I favour kata over kumite and really like to perform the kata Sesoshin in competition. While I enjoy kumite I don't believe it's a strong point of mine so I'm currently working really hard at my sparring skills and my goal is to win a few more rounds and hopefully even a state title, as I have never won one. I love doing karate because of the great group of friends I have made and the confidence it provides me in all aspects of life.

2. NAS Official Profile

Name: Jacci Templeton

Style: Zanshin Freestyle Karate

How long have you trained? 6 years

Where do you train?
I train twice a week at Aberfoyle Park Dojo and Seacliff Dojo

How long have you been involved with the NAS?
I began with NAS 2 years ago as a table official.

What made you become an NAS Official?
I began volunteering as a table official a couple of years ago when my children were competing in NAS and did so at the request of one of my instructors. NAS Officials are a vital part of the competition and through their participation the competitors are given a chance to compete.

What level are you with the NAS?
I am a level 1 table official.

What are your future goals in the NAS?
NAS is a great arena for people of different style being able to come together and compete. There is a lot of satisfaction in being able to provide a service that allows this to happen. I plan to continue in my current role as table official but have no plans to compete for my club as yet.

3. NAS Club Profile

Instructor Name: MASTER Michael D'Ambrosio

4th Dan Master Instructor.  Law enforcement officer (ret) Security trainer and consultant and personal bodyguard to major artists.

Style: Tang Soo Do

Originating from Korea Tang Soo Do is dedicated to the provision of high quality Korean martial arts training. Its ultimate goal is for students to possess excellent technique, but more importantly, to develop and perfect one's character. Tang Soo Do is a foundation which prepares students in a way to meet challenges that we have to face in our busy lives. Tang Soo DO is the harmonious training of body, mind and spirit.

How long have you trained?
26 Years in the Korean Martial Arts. Having trained in Europe, London and Malaysia with Grandmaster Kang Uk Lee 10th Dan. The highest member of the Moo Duk Kwan association.

Location of club & nights you train?
Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy Located at 16 Stradbroke Rd Newton South Australia, where we strive to provide the best Tang Soo Do education available. With a philosophy for students to become strong and well balanced, developing strength, discipline and humbleness.

How did you find out about the NAS competition?
I have been aware of the NAS competition for over 15 years. But more recently involved due to the direction that Mr Nick De Cristofaro is taking the NAS here in Adelaide. His professional approach and dedication to providing a fair and unbiased tournament is to be commended as I am sure you cannot please all of the people all of the time.

What do you like about the NAS competition?

The camaraderie and willingness to share techniques, and of course the location and venue.

Your comments on the refereeing, do you find the NAS to be fair and none biased?
This is a subjective area, but I am sure that having confidence in the State Director we will see more of the above.

Name some of your up-coming champions from your club and how they are placing in the NAS competition.....
We have always placed well in NAS competitions with competitors Like Andrew Rushton, Andrew Ong, Zarina Greenberg, Ryan Humphreys Kolynda Driehuis and Tim Gatley, all who placed well in the State Titles winning 1st 2nd and 3rd's, and who are all dedicated Tang Soo Do practitioners always giving 100%.

What are your future goals for your organisation?
Our goals are to continue to provide students with the skills and knowledge required in having a positive attitude, better health, a method of self protection and to continue to their best, and for us all to move together in a positive direction.

Tang Soo Do

Master Michael D'Ambrosio
Health and Happiness

Published on 30 September 2010

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