Pickleball.
We have received positive news from the Noosa Pickleball Club about the Australian Championships. Our 30-member club team competed at the Pimpama Sports Precinct from 30 September to 9 October alongside 1,250 international athletes, earning 5 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
The five gold were won by, Shaun Green, Rob Bleicher (2 gold), Henry Chard and Ron Gatliff. Janine (Bugzy) Beyer was awarded the silver medal, while Kane Nolan and Mile Keys each received a bronze medal. Great effort from all involved. There is other news, and as with the competition results, it is all positive.
For the month of September Ron Gatliff club spokesman brings us up to date. For the month of September their club coordinated over 20 free sessions for Noosa council employees: and happy to relate it was a huge success. Some 50 staff members gave up their free time to find out for themselves, what exactly is it that makes the game of Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the world.
To Donna Frey from the council, there is a massive vote of thanks as she was the one who made it all happen. Residents interested in pickleball are invited to the club’s free “come and try” session on Sunday 19 October, from 9–10am. If you are interested don’t hesitate to email on, info@ noosapickleballclub.com
Martial Arts.
In October 1993 Bryan Dukas received his Shodan (Black Belt in karate) from Kasuya sensei, in Japan: and on the same day his father Mike was graded to the rank of Black Belt 5th Dan. Now 32 years later and chief instructor of Karate Noosa, Bryan watched his son Brandon received his Shodan, also from Kasuya sensei in Japan. It was indeed an incredible day for Brandon, not only was his father Bryan present, but also his grandfather Mike, now an 8th Dan.
“It has been a massive month for Brandon, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said proud farther Bryan. “Not only did he grade to Shodan (black belt) in Japan but then go on to win a silver medal in the Shotokan Karate Championships in Tokyo.” Brandon who is a student at Sunshine Beach State High, is also a member of Army Cadet Unit 128, based in Yandina. He has now been awarded Best Army Cadet for 2025 in the Unit. It would seem that his attitude to the strict training and discipline of a good martial arts club, has now passed on to his cadet training. Well done to all.
Another Caza BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) affiliated club has been formed: this time in Brisbane. Situated on 6 Redfern Street, Morningside near Brisbane City, a grand opening was conducted on the 4 October and with members of all affiliates, joining in it was a great success. The club which will be under BJJ, Black Belt Sam Morrison, a man well trained by Yoshi Hasegawa at the Noosa Headquarters, is classed as a fantastic coach and a seasoned competitor: he also served as the kid’s team coach while in Noosa.
Additional BJJ affiliates are established in Caloundra, Cooroy, Agnes Waters, Brisbane, and Drop Bear Ipswich. BJJ Black Belt Sam Morrison, also served as the club’s kids team coach during his time.
As a seasoned competitor, Sam is classed as a fantastic coach for anyone interested in testing themselves at BJJ tournaments. He has competed at every belt level on his way to black belt, gaining insight into each stage of competition. Sam also holds a black belt in Judo.
Known for his approachable nature and strong grasp of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, “Big” Sam is expected to make his Brisbane gym in Morningside a success. The club provides classes for the following age groups: 2–4 years (with parental participation), 3–5 years, 4–7 years, 7–10 years, 10–13 years, as well as adults. Find out more about CAZA Brisbane on Facebook and Instagram or the Caza online website.
Many local sports clubs are succeeding in their youth programs. The Nipper and Seahorse in the lifesaving movement, the Pee Wee club in amateur boxing the kids in martial arts and of course the football codes.
In this environment they keep fit, make new friends and above all, if they are not fully able physically, there is always someone there to offer help and encouragement. But most of all it keeps them off the streets and starts them on the road to good conduct and discipline. To all those involved, keep up the good work and as a successful coach once told me, “There is no such thing as a bad kid -it’s just someone who needs help. And guidance”
Surf Lifesaving.
Recently the Sunshine Beach Surf Club hosted the Sunshine Coast Interbranch Trials, with athletes from across the region converging on Sunshine Beach, to via for selection in the team. It was great to see so many competitors from both Noosa and Sunshine taking part, thus showcasing the regions strength across all age groups from U11to U17.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said ski coach Sharlene Kelly. “It was great to have a high-quality event in Noosa. We wish all athletics from both clubs the very best as they wait team selection.”
Back home, Noosa Surf continues to ride a wave of momentum. “There is now a really positive culture across the club,” said Head Coach Mike Jones. “What’s been great to see is the consistency in how our seniors are mentoring our juniors. They’re using the same training language and principals we coach with, which helps our younger athletes learn faster and feel supported. And that is what builds great teams.”
The club ski paddlers are showing excellent form, particularly during open surf training sessions at Peregian Beach. “We’re really grateful to have access to Peregian,” said ski coach Sharlene Kelly. “It’s a challenging and reliable training ground. The athletics are learning so much about surf – reading and ski handling. Their confidence and surf literacy are improving every week”
All indications are that both Sunshine and Noosa are heading into a big season. With the talent that is coming through both clubs we can expect to see plenty of local names on the podium this summer. Next week we look at the Shaw and Partners Coolangatta Gold Results and the Karate championships from Tokyo.
