Sport
25 August, 2022
Wax on, wax off
FUNAKOSHI karate enjoyed an “epic day” at the National All Styles Championship in Melbourne over the weekend, according to sensei Peter Conroy.
FUNAKOSHI karate enjoyed an “epic day” at the National All Styles Championship in Melbourne over the weekend, according to sensei Peter Conroy.
The All Styles Championship, which has been running for more than three decades, combines all forms of martial arts to heighten the challenge against different styles and disciples.
Conroy said the event was a success for the local squad, and an opportunity to highlight the success regional Victorians can enjoy in the city.
“There’s always a cynicism in a country town that everyone in Melbourne does it better, and it’s not always so,” he said.
“It’s nice to go down and have everyone realise that the karate we’re learning in Camperdown and Terang is as good as anywhere in the country.
“It’s reassuring for me, and a moment for them, because you should have seen the look on Marc (Van Es) and Chelsea’s (Wright) faces when they were getting their medals.
“It was just amazing. As an instructor you celebrate your own success, but you also celebrate the success of your students.”
Jill Cole, Tobi Cole and Brian Peach enjoyed third place in the team kata event.
Jill Cole also earned second in the open ladies black belt kata and third place in the mixed veterans kata, while Peach grabbed second in the veterans continuous sparring.
Tobi Cole placed second in open male black belt points sparring.
The younger members of the squad also enjoyed success with a number of top three medals earned.
Chelsea Wright finished third in the 14/15 year old ladies kata and second in the 14/15 year old continuous sparring.
Trent Waixel finished third in the 14/15 male continuous sparring.
Marc Van Es claimed third in the 10/11 year old point sparring.
“I look at them as the future of karate,” Conroy said.
“I’ve got no intention of retiring but one day I won’t be here, but you look at their generation and see future instructors who could be taking their own squad to Melbourne on day.”
The event was also an opportunity for Jaybe Bailey, Wright and Van Es, the newest members of the squad, to gain experience at their first National All Styles tournament.
“It was very exciting to see them performing,” Conroy said.
