The training included fitness and basic training on the sand and in the waves, and kumite in the waves, finishing with some water wheel kicks.
Thanks to Masumi for the photography, Sensei Mark’s partner Ken for his support, and for the parents who came to watch, cheer and dry off some damp young karateka after the surf kumite.
On Sunday March 16th, a contingent from KIMAA’s Turramurra Dojo attended the Kempo Ryu All Australia Championships.
Shihan James Sidwell and Masumi Lipman representing KIMAA with 6 students entering kata competitions.
Due to the summer break and an early year trip to Japan, Shihan James was only able to run several extra Saturday classes for the small contingent of participants. The competitors were supported by the instructors during class time as well as training diligently during the available Saturday classes.
On the day, the students all competed exceptionally well. Their performances executed the posture, technique, timing and kime (focus) expected to demonstrate understanding of the kata.
Sempai Maia Brown, Peter Zhu, Sophie Shi, Chloe Le Bescont, Sophie Chan and Ken Quang competed with spirit and focus. Out of six competitors KIMAA, achieved First, Second and Third placements. Osu.
The Junior Kyu Grading was run by Shihan Mark Shelmerdine, Shihan James and Sempai Maia. Thanks go to all who came to support including black belts Sensei Ben Ng and Sempai Adam.
On Saturday December 7, the KIMAA Senior Grading was held with four students of Turramurra Dojo participating.
The students were assessed by Shihan Idir Bahamid and Shihan James. The grading was run by Sensei Ben, Sensei Don Cheong and Sensei Alex Lloyd, with further support provided by Sempai Maia and Sempai Narmie Thambipillay.
The students pushing through and showing great Kyokushin spirit despite the humidity. Congratulations to all on their efforts, displaying exemplary kihon, kata and kumite.
On Sunday December 15, Sempai Maia Brown undertook her first Kobudo grading. Sempai Maia graded to Shodan (1st Dan) in Kyokushin Karate in June, after which she immediately began her study of International Hokama Kobudo.
On Sunday November 10th, KIMAA attended the KIKO tournament held in Tempe, Sydney.
23 competitors competed with spirit and humility. Results are detailed at the end of this article. However I’d like to thank each and every competitor for the training and effort you have put in. You all fought very well and represented yourselves and KIMAA admirably. Of the KIMAA contingent, 19 competitors were kids of various ages and grades (many competing in their first kumite tournament), and 4 adults: Sensei Alireza Miri, Sensei Mark Long, Sempai Matt Wolnizer and Trent Lim.
Thank you also to the parents who have supported and encouraged their children to compete.
Thank you to Sensei Ben Ng, Sensei Alex Lloyd and Sensei Mark Long for coaching and running the mats, supporting the team, and helping organise the competitors. Further thanks to Sempai Matt Wolnizer and Trent Lim for backing up the coaches. And of course Laura Elia who interfaced with the mat coaches and supported the entire team.
Thank you to the senior instructors who worked to provide coaching and support for the team and supporting during training sessions as well as on the day. This includes Sensei Don Cheong, who has been a regular teacher at the kids classes but was unfortunately unable to attend on the day. (During the course of the tournament, Shihan Idir Bahamid, Shihan Mark Shelmerdine and Shihan James were on the Officials table.)
Additionally thank you to Kancho Doug Turnbull and the KIKO team for hosting the event and all the planning and organising on the day and behind the scenes.
Results from the 23 entrants include:
9 competed in Third Place showdowns, winning Third Place in 6 divisions
8 competed in Finals with 2 First Places and 6 Second Places
2 division clean sweeps winning First, Second and Third places
This included a clean sweep in the Veterans (40+) division, with Sensei Alireza taking 1st place, Sensei Mark Long taking 2nd place and Sempai Matt taking 3rd, after some battering rounds facing off each other!
Congratulations to all participants we support and share in each others success. Osu.
Sensei Mark Long greatly enjoyed hosting the two senior instructors from KIMAA Honbu to run their students through basics, kata and fight training over the course of the weekend.
Students of Turramurra Dojo across a variety of ages and Kyu grades competed in the KIKO Kata Tournament at the Robyn Webster Sports Centre on Sunday June 2nd. The students were supervised on the day by Shihan James Sidwell and Sensei Alex Lloyd.
KIMAA students performed their Kyokushin Karate kata very well, winning a large number of placements in various categories. All students displayed strong technical competence in their kata, showing great kime (focus). Any student in a group comprising more than four participants, if they were selected as a finalist based on their initial score, had to perform their kata a second time to secure their final position on the podium.
Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia 