Event Report
2023 kicking off to a great start with excellent numbers of clubs and competitors travelling from all parts of Northern NSW, Brisbane, and all surrounding areas. We are extremely grateful to all who turned up especially after the most recent severest storms and flooding we have ever experienced.
The day got off to a fantastic start for 2023.
Male Black belt divisions were in full swing as competitors and supporters entered the venue, the most experienced of martial artists demonstrating, focus, strength and power in every movement that made up their form. Always a treat for competitors and spectators alike to watch before their day begins. The finalists for this round in first place Rajeev Ranjit; Goshukan Karate, second place going to Mikey Fleming; Bonsai Karate and third place Blake Brown; Shaolin Kung Fu Guan.
This was followed up with excellent combative sparring, in the men’s open black belt point sparring Jason King; Brisbane Kung Fu defeated Rajeev Ranjit in an intense clash, third place going to Mathew Densmore; RMAA.
Veteran’s form was another highlight of the morning with some excellent performances. In first place Jason King with a strong form and applause from all attending in second place Saku Sunakawa; Goshukan Karate in third place Marcelo Vega; Shaolin Kung Fu Guan. Point sparring male finals saw Dani Kahil; Goshukan Karate prove too strong and take first place, second place going to Jason King.
The morning began with Mr James Casey, President NAS welcoming all new clubs and our very much appreciated regular styles to this event, wishing the competitors the very best for the day whilst reminding everyone to be a good sport on and off the competition arena, all bowed in. Officials being acknowledged and thanked then allocated their rings and divisions for the day initiating the beginning of round one for 2023.
Other highlights and standouts of the day’s competition:
Traditional Weaponry 0-12yrs In first place Skye Jepp; Brisbane Kung Fu with an amazing performance, in second we had Jackson Neil and third place going to Edward Cole both from RMAA Shotokan Traditional Weaponry 13-17yrs was a clean sweep effort from students of RMAA Shotokan taking first place Harriet Knijff, second place going to Jai Anderson and Oliver Lowry in third place. Traditional Weaponry Senior, first place went to Blake Brown; Shaolin Kung Fu Guan, second place going to teammate Marcelo Vega with Tim Hondroudaki in third place. Creative Weaponry 0-12yrs in first place Skye Jepp; Brisbane Kung Fu. Creative Weaponry Senior Tim Hondroudaki in first place, Jason King; Brisbane Kung Fu taking out second place and in third place Bethany Endacott; Shaolin Kung Fu Guan. Demonstration 13 – 17yr Alicia Warhurst; Studio of Modern M/A take home the medal Demonstration Senior Tim Hondroudaki another first place medal for the trophy room.
Junior divisions where hotly contested for which kept all referees, judges and parents on their toes throughout the bouts. Finals of the 8 to 9 yrs (10th - 6th Kyu) point sparring saw teammates from RMAA Shotokan, Kenyon Satheeswaran taking out first place, proving too strong on the day defeating Jackson Neil in second place, and in third place Brodie Colley.
Finals 12 to 14yrs continuous sparring was a real battle with Peyton Young; RMAA defeating a determined Diya Nishanth; Bonsai Karate taking second and third place going to Aaliyah Barrett-Collins; Kung Fu Southside … Congratulations to all the children who entered today win, or lose you are all little champions for having a go!
Female black belt-open division where among the highlights of the day, Female Black belt forms was taken out by Melissa German; Success Martial Arts winning the votes from all three judges, second place Katherine Griffiths; SKIA and third place going to Karen Young; RMAA. Point sparring finals saw Katherine Griffiths proving too strong on the day defeating Karen Young, third place going to Monica deVerteuil; Bonsai Karate
Finals for the Male 15 – 17-year continuous sparring always has their referee on his toes, as one can imagine each trying to prove their technique is better, maybe faster than the other. In the end there can only be one winner and today it was Jai Anderson; RMAA taking first place, Leon Morgan; Cheah Integrated M/A in second place, Baily Curd; Bubishi Martial Arts in third place.
Finally, to the NAS officials and staff who put on their black and whites and generously give up their day to ensure the NAS competitor has the best tournament experience possible…Ring Officials, Table Officials, Mrs Judy Mikha at the front door we thank you all so very much!
Thanks also to Mrs Caroline Kennedy senior table official and a very special thanks to Kristy Hietmann and her team of first aiders … fantastic work Kristy looking after everyone over the day’s competition!
Martial art styles/clubs wishing to get on board the NAS, contact me on 0402 695 717 for information on all remaining events. Look forward to seeing everybody at the State Titles 10th September on the Gold Coast.
On a final note…martial arts begin and ends with courtesy regardless of style, rank or creed…definition of a true champion is one who wins and losses with dignity & respect!
Yours in martial arts
Results
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