By Ron Lane
At the recent Australian Open Karate Championships held in Brisbane our local Sunshine Coast Martial Arts Academy once again achieved outstanding results. With contestants coming from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, New Caledonia and Nepal as well as all parts of Australia the competition was of very high standard. This tournament was under the auspices of the KFA (Karate Federation of Australia) so to achieve success at this level is indeed prestigious.
The team came home with a total of 17 medals, 4 gold 6 silver and 7 bronze, so Head Sensei Bryan Dukas Black Belt 6th Dan, had every reason to be happy. “Our all round results are something to be proud of,” said Sensei Dukas “These results now have our club rated in the top three in Australia. However, the medals are good to win but the most pleasing aspect has been the complementary remarks regarding the sportsmanship, conduct and good manners displayed by our team members. With politeness and respect for others being a backbone of Shotokan Karate it shows that our students not only perform well on the mat, but also out on the streets away from the dojo they conduct themselves with dignity in their everyday life.”
Another highlight has been the selection of two junior members; Cailin Corbett aged 10 and Dannica Starkey 11 chosen to represent Australia in New Zealand at the Oceanic Championships later this year. Both will contest the Kata (detailed pattern of movements performed either solo or in pairs) and Kumite (Sparring). With young people being so successful it speaks volumes for the standard of teaching by the instructors and the future of the club.
Further good news for the club is that a visitation by Sensei Mike Dukas 8 Dan of South Africa (father of Bryan) will occur in late August early September of this year. Apart from conducting a seminar, students will sit for black belt gradings under his supervision. Such is his worldwide recognition as a sensei that prior to his arrival he will have conducted seminars in both Perth and New Zealand. There can be no doubt that as a result of a seminar conducted during his visit in November last year, his teaching has contributed greatly to the continued high standard of training within this Shotokan Dojo.
Away from the Gibson Rd. Dojo, classes are now being conducted at the Good Shepard Lutheran College and the Noosa State School where basic Karate and self-defense is now being taught. We wish everyone every success.
