Four competitors earn 12 placings

MEDALS AND TROPHIES: Turanganui-Gisborne Kyokushin Karate Club members with medals and trophies from the nationals. They are (from left): Sensei Ben Terekia, Wyllie Hiko, Senpai Zak Proudfoot, Catherine Moles and Michael Moles. Picture supplied

MARTIAL ARTS

FOUR members of the Turanganui-Gisborne Kyokushin Karate Club competed in the 49th International Kyokushin Karate Nationals in Hawke’s Bay, and all returned with top-three placings — 12 in all.

In the junior division high grade, Wyllie Hiko had three wins — in full contact, points combat and kata (patterns of movements).

In the intermediate girls’ high grade, Catherine Moles gained first place in weapons, second in full contact and kata, and third in points combat.

Zak Proudfoot achieved first place in full contact, and third in kata and points combat, all in the men’s senior black belt division.

In the colts’ division high grade, Michael Moles gained first place in kata and second in full contact.

The club aims to improve its students’ physical wellbeing, confidence and core self-defence skills through the practice of kyokushin karate.

It is led and guided by fourth dan black belt (Sensei) Ben Terekia and head student and first dan black belt (Senpai) Zac Proudfoot.

Terekia said the club’s results at the nationals were outstanding, and the four students had shown courage in delivering some stunning stand-up displays of karate fighting and forms.

“Everyone associated with this group is so proud of what they achieved,” he said.

Tournament organisers and senior officials gave the Gisborne team high praise.

An invitation was extended to the Gisborne team to join the New Zealand representatives at the 2019 Australian Open tournament, as early preparation for the 50th year of the nationals.

The team were keen to compete at this level, and the international competition experience they brought back to Gisborne would be invaluable, Terekia said.

But they needed help with funding.

“The club is totally self-funding and non-profit,” he said.

Inquiries were welcome and could be made with club manager (and black belt) Trevor Hills on 021 175 8758.