Strong Showing at Southerns
The Tūrangi Karate Club ended this year strong and determined while competing at the Southern Region Championships last weekend. Thirteen members of the club and their families travelled to New Plymouth to train and compete alongside members from around the North Island. It was the best-attended event hosted by the Traditional Shoto-Kan Federation Coastal Dojo with over 50 members keen to experience the final national training and competition for the year.
For some of the newly-graded black belt girls, this was their first experience at contact sparring for both themselves and their parents who watched nervously on as their child received and gave blows repeatedly to the face and body in several match-ups. Meanwhile, experienced junior members stepped up into the Black Belt Women’s grade, despite their young age, and dominated the space. All in all, the local club came away with 14 placings, including six wins, the most out of any dojo on the day. It was a successful and enjoyable karate weekend where old friendships were fostered and new ones formed on and off the dojo mat.
The Tūrangi Karate Club would once again like to express our gratitude for the continuous support of parents and volunteers who make opportunities for our junior members happen. And a special thank you to Deb and Grant of Creel Cafe´, Tūrangi, who sponsored our travel expenses to the event.
Results
Astoria Moanaroa 1st Kumite/3rd Kata in 10-7th Kyu Juniors Under 150cm.
Hone Albert 1st Kata in 10-7th Kyu Mens and Senior Spirit Award Trophy.
Manaariki Dunn-Albert 2nd Kumite/ 3rd Kata 10-4th Kyu Over 150cm. Emma Speedy 2nd Kumite in Black Belt Girls 12-13 and 3rd Kata in Black Belt Junior Girls.
Danica Bell 1st Kumite in Black Belt Girls 14-15 and 1st Kata in Black Belt Junior Girls.
Mystique Moanaroa 2nd Kumite in Black Belt Girls 14-15.
Shania Moanaroa 2nd Kumite/3rd Kata in Black Belt Women’s. Tangiariki Wanikau 1st Kumite/1st Kata in Black Belt Women’s. Tangiariki Wanikau, Danica Bell and Katiana Ngata 2nd in Dojo Team Kata. Emma Speedy, Grace Hura, Mystique Moanaroa 3rd Place in Dojo Team Kata.