Karate: Club's young quartet claim medals

The sport of karate continues to grow in popularity in the Western Bay particularly in the kids beginners and junior levels. Having fun, getting physically fit and learning such important skills as self-defence are driving the growth.

Papamoa's Shi Sei Kan Karate-Do is one of the clubs at the forefront of increasing karate's popularity through the Goju Kai style of the sport, which emphasises self-defence.

Last week four of their students, and sensei (coach) Joseph McGregor, went to the nationals in Wellington and came home with four medals.

Caitlin Davis won gold and the national title in the 10-11 age group kumite (fighting), Sam Crawford, Grace McGregor and Bellah McGregor won bronze medals and Grace McDonald-Brown performed with distinction to finish just outside the medals.

Most of the medals were won in the kata discipline, which is not fighting but a demonstration of moves. It suits all ages and physical ability.

Sensei McGregor, who was the youngest New Zealander to achieve the sought-after 1st Dan Black Belt, is proud of the performance of his elite youngsters.

"Caitlin's commitment to the sport is what makes her so good. She is here training hard three to four times a week and has a focus on her I have never seen in an 11-year-old before. She has a huge future in the sport.

"It was just the second competition ever for the other medallists and they didn't crack, which was amazing. They absolutely exceeded expectations."

McGregor says the biggest challenge that most people don't understand the sport.

"It is difficult for people to get rid of the stigma about it being violent and actually have a look at what we do. With the kids most of the focus is on having fun and helping them achieve what they can."

Next challenge for the Shi Sei Kan Karate-Do members is the international Suguhara Cup to be held in Auckland from August 16-18 with the medium term goal to get to the 2014 Commonwealth Championships.