National All Styles Rd1- NSW |
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NAS NSW Report – Round 1, 9th March 2008
2008 “kicked” off to a great start
National All Styles NSW Season 2008 “kicked” off to a great start with an exciting Round 1 tournament on Sunday 9 March.
Martial artists from as far away as Dubbo, Newcastle and Wollongong joined those from just around the corner to converge on Ryde Aquatic Centre, all aiming to start the year with a win! With over 25 clubs represented, it was exciting to welcome those competing for the first time as well as some of our Champions from last years Nationals “gloved up” and rearing to go again.
One of the hallmarks of NAS competition is the martial spirit and sportsmanship displayed by the competitors, and this event was no exception.
The action was fast and LOUD in the Junior Divisions. Referees called “Time!” at the top of their voices to be heard over the cheering spectators and the spirited Kiais of the combatants. On Ring 1, first time victories in the Pee Wee Sparring went to Chelsea O’Mara over Brock Fuller from Northern Lakes Martial Arts in a close match. Over on Ring 3, the quick hands of Matthew Gargalis, Go Kan Ryu, saw him take out the 10-11yrs 5th Kyu to Black Belt Sparring over a tenacious Eric Xu, Chikara Karate.
The audience certainly showed their approval for some thrilling performances in the Junior Demonstrations on Ring 2. Siblings Aydn, Adem and Esma Bektasovski from PMA Martial Arts in Wollongong taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd places with some entertaining weapons displays.
The Forms competition always produces some very tight battles, and this was the case in Round 1 as we were given a glimpse of the great performances we will be treated to this season. Each year the standard gets higher and higher as students learn and mature in their Art. A number of “ties” occurred throughout the morning, contestants striving to produce their best effort and keeping the judges alert as they awarded their scores. Stand out performances were the 12-13yrs 5th Kyu-Black Belt where a tie resulted in Ronald Nicol GKR taking 1st place over Samuel Penton GKR and Vincent Xu, Chikara Karate. A GKR trifecta in the 14-15yrs 5th Kyu to Black Belt saw Mary Talevski take the prize over Daniel Liston and Sally Valiukas in a close decision. The Veterans proved they’ve still ‘got it’ with great displays by Andrew Vrachnos, GKR edging out Denise Fung, Taiko Do and David Grant from Goju Kai Karate Do.
The Senior Divisions weren’t to be outdone in providing tremendous martial arts action. You could feel the anticipation build as the time for the Black Belts to take the floor drew near. The Female Black Belt Open got the crowd warmed up with the lead changing several times before Cassandra Mann from Australian Freestyle Martial Arts took the prize over Denise Fung from Taiku Do Karate.
The main contenders in last years National Titles faced off across the mat in the Men’s Open Divisions, all eager to see who would claim the first wins of 2008. The Continuous Advanced Open saw 2007 Champion of Champion, Lachlan Carr GKR; get the nod over a fired up Dean Gould, also from GKR, in a split decision. Whilst in the Black Belt Men’s Point Sparring, the positions were reversed when Dean snatched victory in the last seconds of the bout.
Lastly, but not least, I’d like to pass on my thanks and congratulations to our great team of Officials and volunteers. Well done to you all, the day wouldn’t happen without you. We now look forward to Round 2 on May 18 at the Ryde Aquatic Centre. See you there for more exciting NAS action!
Competitor Profile ~ Dean Gould
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Black Belt Open Competitor: DEAN GOULD |
NAME:
Dean Gould
STYLE:
Go Kan Ryu
How long have you trained?
8yrs
Where do you train?
Quaker’s Hill Dojo
Can you tell us what you like about the NAS competition?
Getting to compete against other styles. As well as getting to travel to different States around the country. Also the chance to appear on Fox Sports, the more coverage our sport can get the better it is for everyone who competes. Not to mention the friendships that are made when you get to meet up with other competitors.
Best moment/memory in competition with the NAS?
As an Individual I have only managed to gain the runners up trophy in middleweight open men’s black belt division.
For the last two years, my best moments would have to be being privileged to be part of the N.S.W team and being lucky enough to have won the last 5 interstate series against the other States. Especially in 2006 when we were televised on Fox Sports. That was and still is a great honour.
Have you a favourite technique in competition?
Drop Reverse punch and the Hook kick which I’m fortunate enough to able to do with either hand or foot.
Favourite martial artist...
They’re all excellent in their own way. But in saying that my favourite exponent is Alex Biamonte! The man has absolutely dominated the WKF World Titles for the past decade! His speed, aggression and agility have to be seen to be believed!
What are your future goals in the NAS?
My future goals in NAS are to try and dominate as much as I can! Which won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination given the excellent opponents you face year in year out! I want the Champion of Champions belt big time and won’t give up until I do! Also I want to be able to win the open mens Blackbelt Kata. I would like to be able to dominate in the way that James Casey Jr has in the past! That guy was simply awesome! And if I can’t it won’t be for the lack of trying!!!
NAS Official Profile ~ Mr. Scott Robertson
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NSW Technical Director
Mr. Scott Robertson
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NAME:
Scott Robertson
STYLE:
Emu Heights Self Defence (Free Style Karate)
How long have you trained?
Commenced training in Martial Arts in 1993
Where do you train?
Train at Emu Heights Public School 3 nights a week
How long have you been involved with the NAS?
Started as a NAS competitor in 1998
Became an official in 2001
What made you become an NAS Official?
After several years as a competitor decided it was time to give back to NAS.
NAS had opened up many opportunities for myself , including friendships with many like minded individuals and clubs.
It was now time for me to learn more about the internal working of NAS, this gave me more first hand knowledge to help both myself and club students as to what officials look for in both Sparring and Forms. This I believe has helped many of my students with the success they have had over the years.
What level are you with the NAS?
Currently Level 3 ( newly appointed State Technical Director)
What are your future goals in the NAS?
To continue as an official for as long as possible and to be the best I can. This is something that can only be achieved by continuous study and practice and by attending seminars, as it never ceases to amaze me that at each seminar I learn something new and is a great forum to have ones questions answered.
Club/Organisation – Profile ~ NORTHERN LAKES MARTIAL ARTS
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Northern Lakes Martial Arts
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INSTRUCTOR NAME:
Darren Brailey (Current SKIF World Heavyweight Champion held in Toyko, Japan)
STYLE:
Shotokan Karate International Australia
How long have you trained?
21 years (since I was 10 years old), my father was my instructor.
Location of club & nights you train?
Northern Lakes Martial Arts Centre
52 Tenth Avenue, Budgewoi NSW (on the sunny Central Coast) and we have classes nearly every night of the week, specialising in children’s, teenagers and adult classes with unique programs like eXtreme Martial Arts, XMA weapons, Champions Competition Classes and Tai Chi.
How did you find out about the NAS competition?
We found out about the NAS circuit through a friend who decided he wanted to train at our school and through this relationship we were introduced to the competitions.
What do you like about the NAS competition?
The NAS competitions are a welcoming body that promotes the good values of Martial Arts. The kids at our club really enjoy the competition and the relationships they form with other styles. The other great aspect of the NAS in the way it promotes, markets and celebrates the athletes, instructors and schools they have participating – this only strengthens networks between martial arts schools in Australia. Meeting different styles in competition and expanding the range of events that our kids can compete in is excellent. My responsibility is the Junior program and elite athletes. This competition is safe and allows our students to get variation from our standard format.
Your comments on the refereeing, do you find the NAS to be fair and none biased?
The refereeing is very fair and gives all martial arts the opportunity to compete and challenge each other under one format.
Name some of your up-coming champions from your club and how they are placing in the NAS competition…..
Our first ‘super star’ from our club to be successful at NAS was Brennan Smith. He competed in the 2007 NAS National in Sydney and came away with a well deserved first place in his division of Point Sparring defeating a large field of competitors and also placed second in the traditional forms. He is also very passionate about the Creative Forms division but step out during his performance which was unlucky. He loved the event and it really sparked a further passion in his martial arts training. We have some upcoming stars in Nic and Josh Austin as well as Zak Cahyadi. We also have Krystel Spurway who should keep up the girls end.
What are your future goals for your organisation?
At Northern Lakes Martial Arts we strive to introduce as many people as possible to the enjoyment and benefits of martial arts. The beauty about martial arts is that anyone can enjoy it and they can create personal goals and achieve them. With fantastic guidance from experienced instructors, karate can be life changing. We wish to continue our positive relationship with the NAS which gives our students an avenue to compete and challenge their personal skills and build long lasting friendships.
Click to Download Tournament Results NSW Rd 1 - 9th March 2008
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