Kyokushin Karate tournament: Team Kenworthy Whanganui photo. L-R Brian Alderton. Winner of the Middle Weight division Mike Kenworthy. Head Coach Pete Parson. Winner of the Heavyweight
Kyokushin Karate tournament: Team Kenworthy Whanganui photo. L-R Brian Alderton. Winner of the Middle Weight division Mike Kenworthy. Head Coach Pete Parson. Winner of the Heavyweight
The Kyokushin Karate Wanganui Kenworthy Dojo team were determined to make their mark on the trophy cabinet and opponents alike after a strong weekend at the Doug Holloway 50th Jubilee Full Contact Karate tournament in Wellington.
Competing at the St Patrick's College's sports stadium, Whanganui's multiple time national champion PeteParson won the heavyweight division and was judged Yokozuna, receiving the grand champion trophy.
To do so, he had to win a hard-hitting final with Australian Nathan Phillips.
"It was a good one. Training for six months or so," said Parson.
"We keep it up through the year and ramp it up before."
Kyokushin Karate tournament: Pete Parson fires out a front kick against Nathan Phillips in the heavyweight final. PHOTO/ MARK WEBSTER
There was significant competition across all the divisions, with several previously unknown or unexpected fighters showing up.
"Being a 50th jubilee tournament, a few people came out of the woodwork," said Parsons.
In addition, Brian Alderton won the middleweight division with a typical mauling display - jumping on his opponents and not letting up with the non-stop barrage of punches.
Parson said they have been working hard with Alderton to also strengthen his leg kicks, and they were pleased he put that into practice to add to the arsenal.
Kyokushin Karate tournament: Brian Alderton delivering a heavy body punch in the final. PHOTO/ MARK WEBSTER
And the grand master himself Richard Hood, also a multiple time national title winner, put on a clinical display in the Masters division, in what Parsons note wirily is "apparently" his last tournament, although never say never for the veteran.
The next generation is also coming along as tall Conner Whiteman was the Colts division winner, using his height and reach to telling effect.
Parson's sees a big future if Whiteman continues to train hard.
Seasoned Ryan Trevor-Roper came runnerup in the lightweight division after having the fight of the tournament against Australia's Adam Pickworth in the final.
The pair have matched up before, and both went to the full extension times in their bouts, with Pickworth narrowly getting the decision this time.
Kyokushin Karate tournament: Ryan blocking a body punch on his way through the light weight division. PHOTO/ MARK WEBSTER
Aweri Blakley was stepping up to compete in the heavyweight division for the first time and fought well despite taking a loss.
