MOUNT Gambier was well represented recently in two weekends of martial arts.
The Murasaki Dojo, which teaches the Kyokushin karate style under the tutelage of Sensai Kathy Nunn, first headed to the Musashi Cup in Geelong, one of the main tournaments held by the Geelong association.
From that 15-year-old Gracie Bersee claimed a second place in the kata, in her first ever tournament.
At just nine years of age, Johee Joyce claimed second place in kata, plus a gold medal in the non-contact division, while 11-year-old Yenna Joyce managed gold in kata and non-contact, plus a second place in the full contact division.
It was an impressive performance against a high level of opposition, with around 20 competitors in each group.
From there the club contested the Martial Arts Fight Off, held by the Fighting Arts Fitness Centre in Melbourne.
Both Johee and Yenna competed.
Johee claimed a gold medal in Ippon – a points-score competition – then claimed gold medals in two full-contact fights.
Yenna claimed gold in the non-contact division.
But the awards did not stop there, with Johee judged most spirited fighter for the tournament, while Yenna was awarded best technician, an honour usually bestowed upon an older competitor,
with all competitors – including adults – up for the overall award.
The work continues in the dojo, with both Yenna and Johee heading off to compete in nationals this weekend in Canberra.
The two have claimed national titles for the past three years, but the format has changed slightly this year.
The event is normally run over two days, but this year that will change to one day.
Both students compete in three classes – kata, non-contact and full contact – while many others only contest one or more.
The full-contact event is a knockout tournament, with a loss simply ending their day immediately.
It runs over two-minute rounds, which continue until the final result is settled.
It is possible to two Mount Gambier fighters will face four or five full-contact fights, all after competing in the kata and non-contact titles earlier in the day, which could span six to seven hours.
It all adds up to a tough day at the office for the two young competitors as they seek yet another title to add to their growing portfolio.
