By Ron Lane
For the Sunshine Coast Martial Arts Shotokan Karate and Fitness Institute training team, led by Chief Instructor Bryan Dukas, their efforts are definitely not in vain. At the recent Queensland championships held in Brisbane they came home to Noosa with an incredible tally of 25 gold medals, 14 silver and 19 bronze. Then to top this they were, for the third year in a row, named the Queensland Karate Club of the Year.
Situated in 7-9 Gibson Rd Noosa this is definitely a club whose achievements not only bring success of the highest order to our community but also does so in a fashion that indicates pride of achievement and definitely makes the parents of the younger age groups happy to be involved.
‘’We took a mixed team that ranged from rookies to members with international experience. Our training program plus a training camp in Japan then later on followed by a two day seminar we conducted here at our club certainly paid dividends,” said Sensei (teacher) Brian Dukas.
The local seminar conducted by his father Mike an 8th Dan from South Africa was held in November and well attended. The heavy emphases placed on concentration, self-discipline and fitness certainly payed off.
The titles covered all aspects of competition; individual Kata, individual Kumite (sparring) as well as team Kata. The Kata is movements that are carried out to a set pattern and emphasizes balance, coordinated, movement AND CONCENTRATION.
From the medal winners selection trials for the state team will be conducted and those selected will represent their state at the National Titles in Caloundra 2-5 August. Apart from these two 10yr old girls Caitlin Corbett and Dannica Starkie have already been selected for the National Team to compete in the Oceanic Cup in New Zealand in June.
“Last year the National were in Sydney, this year Caloundra, and next year Tasmania,” said Sensei Dukas. “By shifting the titles it gives all states a fair go and also helps to maintain a high standard of the arts throughout the country. It also helps attract international competition from such countries as New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji and Bosnia. Also all our local martial art schools are now being fully accredited by the Queensland Karate Association (QKA).
It is interesting to note that all clubs fully support the Anti-Bullying Campaign. With their emphases on mental training, respect, manners and the avoidance of violent behavior it is hoped that this will contribute to a reduction of this problem in our schools.
