All students who entered the competition placed or won their division.
These included a team kata demonstration of Tsuki No by Maia Brown, Ethan Kuo and Ryan Kuo, who won their division.
Maia also won her individual division, for Pinan Sono Yon.
Sempai Tony Kuo won his division with his demonstration of Seienchin.
Aaron Goh won his division, Peter Tsu placed in his division and Yue Leong Chia placed in his division.
In his division, Ethan Kuo came second.
And in his division, Ethan’s brother Ryan came first.
Congratulations to all for participating, and showcasing strong Kyokushin Karate kata in the tradition of Sosai Mas Oyama. They were coached by Hanshi Howard, Shihan Idir Bahamid and Shihan James Sidwell on the day.
Four students were attempted their 1st Dan Black Belt, which led of course to the world-renowned Kyokushin 40 fights.
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Hearty efforts were put in by all students. Congratulations to all the senior kyu grades. Special recognition goes to the Yudansha:
Sempai Joshua Darley, Nidan
Sempai Stephen Runge, Shodan
Sempai Jermaine Downs, Shodan
Sempai Bernard Wilson, Shodan
Sempai Cody Choi, Shodan
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Sempai Jermaine Downs and Hanshi Howard Lipman after the grading.
Sempai Jermaine is a hard-working, strong, diligent student from Brisbane Dojo. He is the first to reach Shodan from Brisbane, under the tutelage of Sensei Rob James. Sempai Jermaine has balanced his Kyokushin training with work and family commitments, but always attended seminars when he is able, and has been a strong deputy to Sensei Rob. He is a highly a capable fighter, budding instructor and good martial artist, with a bright future ahead of him. Congratulations Sempai Jermaine, and Sensei Rob on bringing your first student to back belt.
Sempai Cody is one of a crop of promising young KIMAA karateka who have, after years of dedicated training under Hanshi Howard and Sensei James Sidwell, persisted and worked in the adult General Classes towards the goal of Shodan. He has previously competed in tournaments.
Sempai Bernard also has muchtournamentexperience and trained with increasing intensity over the years, becoming a strong young man with many years of excellent Karate ahead of him.
Sempai Stephen has been training at Turramurra Dojo for a long time, despite persistent injuries. His dedicated attitude to training despite obstacles has not gone unnoticed. He has also become a regular assistant instructor in the Kids classes and to newcomers in the General classes. He is an invaluable presence at the dojo, and a good Karate man.
Sempai Josh Darley during the grading.
Sempai Josh began his Karate training in 2012 and has been an impressive young personality at Turramurra Dojo since the beginning. He has fought in tournaments, trained with Shihan Ken Ogura, done tameshiwari and regularly pushed himself to the next level of technical excellence. He has applied himself diligently in his training to Nidan, as he did for Shodan. While it is rare for one so young to be a Nidan, he has certainly earned the grade in the eyes of the seniors.
Sempai Jermaine, Hanshi Howard & Sensei Rob
Sempai Cody, Hanshi Howard & Sempai Josh
Hanshi Howard, Sempai Bernard & his father
Hanshi Howard & Sempai Steph
That night, everyone celebrated with the Turramurra Christmas Party – with all those out-of-town and grading invited along, of course.
Hanshi Howard Lipman, Sempai Cody Choi, Sempai Josh Darley, Sempai Bernard Wilson, Sempai Jermaine Downs & Sempai Stephen Runge
Congratulations to all who participated in the grading – a strong, fine way to end the year.
The grading was for adults and Little Lions. “Great effort today from all who graded,” was the praise of Sensei Mark.
Thanks also go to Sempai Wally Gray, Sempai Patricia Tan, Sempai Will Brook and Wesley Snider for assistance with the grading, and to Sempai Trish, Larissa and Lauren for organising the catering.
After the grading, Students of the Year awards were handed out, followed by a Christmas party. Well done to all who participated in the grading, and the Students of the Year.
The karateka who graded with their instructors, 16 December 2017.
Two Little Lions of Lismore and North Brisbane dojos competed in the Queensland National All Styles State Championships on Sunday October 15th.
Isaac of Lismore Dojo competed in the 5th Kyu to Black Belt division for his age group and placed fourth. He was coached on the day by Sensei Mark McFadden. Congratulations Isaac!
Sean of North Brisbane Dojo returned to the NAS, after having placed third in a previous round.
In the words of instructor Sensei Rob James, “As you can see, Sean’s focus, technique and his positive attitude are his strengths.” Well done, Sean!
