Students of Lismore Dojo competed in kata and kumite at the Gold Coast Budo Challenge on the weekend of 30 September – 1 October, 2023.
The full team comprised Evelyn Wyatt, Annabelle Davis, Zac Curran, Letitia Bolton, James Sun, Paige Duncan, Zarni McGregor, Jackson Wirasa, Kate Waspe and James Waste.
On the Saturday was the kata competition. KIMAA Little Lions competed at a variety of grade lavels. Lismore head instructor Sensei Mark McFadden was a judge for the kata divisions. There were some very large divisions and strong competition – well done to all. The placements in the kata division were:
- Zarni McGregor, 1st place
- Paige Duncan, 3rd place
- Jackson Wirasa, 3rd place
The next morning was the kumite component of the tournament, with Little Lions fronting up again to the mats. Sempai Trish Tan and Sempai Scott Bettridge were kumite referees. Sensei Wally Gray and Sempai Letitia Bolton coached the fighters.
It was a great day of kumite for the Lismore team. Placements in the karateka’s respective divisions included:
- Jackson Wirasa, 1st place
- Paige Duncan, 1st place
- James Waspe, 1st place
- Kate Waspe, 2nd place
- Zarni McGregor, 2nd place
All showed great determination in their fights. Videos of their fights are available in the North Coast Kyokushin Karate Facebook page (for members only). Congratulations to all who represented KIMAA at this tournament – they did their dojo and the organisation proud.
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 