There’s always a lot of hoo ha about the competitors and fighters at any given tournament, but the real heroes are usually the people behind the scenes. I would like to acknowledge John McDonald. He is South Australia’s finest tournament photographer. Come rain or sunshine, John is always there at the tournament armed with his trusty tripod zoom lense and camera and numerous rolls of film hoping to capture the best shots he can. John ducks and weaves to get prime position near rings at every opportunity. He gives up his time so willingly and nothing is ever too much trouble for him.

Having said that, John also competes. So when he’s not snapping away with his camera, he himself is on the ring. John enjoys weaponry and does quite well winning quite a few trophies in the vets division. He started martial arts in 1992 at 37 years of age (a late developer). With GKR learning a traditional blend of Shotokan and Goju style. He trains 3 times per week and also instructs as well as coaches with the tournament team. He did 18 months of training with Hokushin-Oh-Ryu-Aiodo and has competed with NAS for about 10 years. John is a 2 nd Dan Ni Dan. Apart from martial arts and photography, John’s hobbies include stamp and coin collecting and gardening. John also does a lot of fundraising for his club by selling his photographs to help raise money to send competitors to all the national events. John McDonald “thank you for your timeless efforts and all your expertise in capturing memories and great moments on film”.

National Titles in Sydney

Located at Home Bush, Sydney, approximately 50 South Australians congregated to compete at the National Titles for 2007. Our national team was one of the smallest groups from all of the states apart from Tasmania that had fewer competitors than we did.

Our tournament teams had trained hard for the Nationals, so everyone competing were pumped, fit and ready to prove that SA is a force to be reckoned with. We had competitors young and old. Categories ranged from approximately 9 years through to veterans. A good mixture of male and female fighters, which was good to see. Even with some of our competitors, it was their first time competing at a National level. Most were very nervous and anxious, but I think the adrenaline rush kept them focused and in control knowing that they only got one chance to show the rest of Australia and of course themselves, what they were capable of. It was a showcase of pure South Australian talent and love for their martial art, whatever style, because there is such a mixture these days.

SA National Team happy to have brought home the President’s Cup for the first time in 22 years!

Our State Director Nick De Cristofaro and Technical Director Robin Copini, were always on hand to support the team and answer any questions they had. They encouraged all of them and wished them good luck every step of the way.

A gruelling but most enjoyable full jammed packed program was to see South Australia finally take home the “National Cup!” Our tournament teams from all different clubs came together as one to beat the rest of Australia and take the cup home for the first time in 22 years! How sweet victory is! I know it was one of the proudest and most memorable moments for both Nick De Cristofaro and Robin Copini to be representing this fine and talented national tournament team and to take the cup home to South Australia was the “icing on the cake!” Every category was covered from forms, weapons, continuous and point sparring. Mostly all of the competitors came home with a trophy and more experience under their belt.

We would like to thank all of the competitors, for their outstanding performance, talent, skills and dedication both on and off the ring. Their sheer guts and determination is admirable and a big thank you to all the South Australian referees and table officials whom always maintain a high level of professionalism at ring side.

Click to Download Tournament Results South Australia Rd 1 -
2nd March 2008