The morning flew past as bout after bout was contested. Highlights of the morning's competitions were the Pee Wees with Connor Prior and Zac Miles putting on a fiery performance with some great punches. In the 8-9 year old sparring competition six competitors vied for a top ranking eventually won by Anthony Grimaldi with runners up Malik Bouloufa and James Rees. The number of skills of competitors across the junior ranks shows that the future of NAS in South Australia is strong.
Once the juniors cleared the rings, the veterans proved they still have what it takes. The men's competition kicked off with a standout performance from all competitors. Geoff Rohde (Shingokan Goju Ryu) and Michael Barlow (Zen Do Kai) squared up for the final bout. Solid punches and well placed kicks contributed to a spirited fight in which Michael came out on top. In the Veterans Women's Points competition, Barabara Hesselschwerdt (GKR) placed ahead of Chris McDonald (GKR) and Deta Usher (Australian Combined Martial). The ladies fighting showed determination and spirit with close fights in all bouts.
(left) delivering a well executed high kick to Jason Couzner (right)
In to the afternoon and the heat was turned up as the Male Points Sparring in the Black Belt Open provided the audience with some entertaining fights. With impressive displays of speed and strength, the men strongly contested each fight. Final bouts were taken out once again by Jason Couzner after some determined performances by all competitors. Jason's high kicks frequently found their mark and helped him win against runner up Tim Gatley from Tang Soo Do. Ryan Humphreys also from Tang Soo Do placed a competitive third. Jason returned to win the continuous sparring also.
In the Female Black Belt Open Points Sparring, another six competitors took the floor all prepared to give what it took to take home the winners trophy.
The girls like their male counterparts provide a display of good skills in some fiercely contested bouts for the audience's entertainment.
The final winners Dragana Calic (GKR) in first place with Kolynda Dreihuis (Tang Soo Do) hard fought second and Lesley McDonald (GKR) in third.
Another solid round of competition preparing the way for the South Australian State Titles in September
1. Club/Organisation – Profile
Instructor Name: Jeremy Thompson
Jeremy Thompson is a 3rd Dan Black Belt, and State Coach for GKR Karate in South Australia. He won the NAS National Heavyweight Sparring title in 2007, JKF Open Weight title in 2010. He has won three NAS National Team Kata/Demonstration titles and is a four time SA NAS Black Belt Open Sparring Champion. Jeremy is a Level 2 NAS Referee.
Style: GKR Karate was founded by Kancho Robert Sullivan in 1984 and is a long time supporter of the NAS Tournaments.
How long have you trained?
Sensei Jeremy commenced training with GKR Karate in 1993, aged 7 years old. He gained his full Black belt in 2000. At the time of grading, he was the youngest Nidan and Sandan in GKR.
Location of Club & nights you train.
As well as State Team training for 3 hours every Sunday evening, Sensei Jeremy also co-teaches a regular GKR class at Para Hills High School every Wednesday night. GKR has around 70 classes all over Adelaide each week and draws State Team members from these classes.
How did you find out about the NAS competition?
Jeremy was invited to attend State Team training in 1995, the first year of GKR participation in NAS in South Australia. He still has his first trophy, for third place in Sparring in the 8-9 year old division at the State Titles that year. GKR has continually competed in SA NAS competition since 2000.
What do you like about the NAS competition?
NAS is a great opportunity for students of all grades and ages, to meet and compete against other Karate and non-Karate Martial Arts Clubs in a friendly and non-contact environment.
Your comments on the refereeing, do you find the NAS to be fair on non biased?
To find out more about the NAS rules, Jeremy has officiated for several years and gained his Level 2 rating. He feels that it is most important that all Clubs provide officials as this assists their respective Clubs and competitors to gain a full understanding of the NAS competition.
Name some of your up-coming champions from your club and how they are placing in the NAS competition.
It is hard to name individuals as over the past three years alone, GKR State Team members have picked up 15 NAS National titles and 77 NAS State Champion Titles. The proudest moment for NAS State Director Nick Di Cristofaro being the Presidents Cup being won by SA in 2007 for the first time, in which GKR team members paid a big part. A club is only as strong as it Juniors, and Daniel Andrew, Jason Spiteri, Jasmine Harford, Demi Harford, Lucille Lott, Jalen Croxton and Stephanie Antolis all have already demonstrated that they are potentially NAS Champions of the future. Not to forget our Senior Girls of course, who won the State v's State Team Sparring for the first time in 2009.
What are your future goals for your organisation?
To keep producing quality Martial Artists, who will represent our Club and State well in future competition.
2. Competitor Profile
Name: Ryan Humphreys (2nd Dan)
Style: Tang Soo Do
How long have you trained?
I have been training since the age of 10 (early 2001)
Where do you train?
I train at Adelaide Tang Soo Do Academy, located in Newton in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide
Can you tell us what you like about the NAS competition?
It's really great to be a part of an event that brings together many unique styles of martial arts with non-bias and fair refereeing. The camaraderie and respect between competitors is evident which makes it a great environment for competition.
Best moment/memory in competition with the NAS?
Any moment when I have been competing amongst other talented martial artists in a NAS tournament have been memorable. To be able to show my style of martial arts to other martial artists and an audience is a great feeling.
Have you a favourite technique in competition?
I would say that I favour my jumping axe kick or spinning hook kick for their high point scoring. However I do try to incorporate a range of techniques in my sparring to keep it interesting.
Favourite Martial Artist:
I admire numerous martial artists. I admire Jean Claude Van Damme's impressive kicks, Bruce Lee's prowess and philosophies and Tony Jaa's showy technique and self defence moves. A bit closer to home I admire my own instructor, Master Michael D'Ambrosia for his passion of the martial arts and teaching and for his guidance in making me the martial artist that I am.
Name some of the officials in the NAS that inspire you... and why?
I admire the passion fairness and confidence of Mr Nick De Cristofaro that always leads to the smooth running of a fun filled day. I believe also that all NAS officials should be commended on the fairness; enthusiasm and competence displayed in judging and refereeing at NAS events.
What are your future goals in the NAS?
My future goals for NAS are to continue competing and improving my skills in the ring. It would be great to also start a junior development team at our club to give the younger students an opportunity to experience what is always a fun day and a great learning curve for future competition.
