Kicking it Tū rangi style
Tū rangi team triumphs with transtasman talent
Members of Tūrangi's karate dojo represented their club and town at the Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation Australian Championships last week in Gold Coast.
Three days of intensive training were taken by Takahashi Shihan, 9th Dan and chief instructor of TSKF Australia and New Zealand, as well as Okazaki Shihan, 9th Dan and chief Instructor of the International Shotokan Karate Federation, and assisted by many other Sensei from Japan and Australia.
The week was rounded off with two days of competitions. This high level of training and competition with over 200 karateka was an opportunity not to be missed for a small town dojo from New Zealand.
Luckily, the support of the wider community enabled a group from Tūrangi to attend.
For almost 50 years, the Tūrangi Dojo has trained and competed under the guidance of Mark Willis Shihan, 8th Dan and deputy chief instructor of TSKF Australia and New Zealand.
He coached the team once again in Australia and his four competitors brought home six medals between them. This is an outstanding result and a reflection of Mark Willis Shihan's dedication and excellent teachings.
The Taupō Sports Advisory Council
and Taupō Marathon Trust stepped in to help the team travel to Australia.
Support also came from other dojo members and families.
It is often overlooked how important the wider community is in the success of an individual but every little bit helps.
Their achievements can be shared by all: the dojo members at home, the auntie who ran a raffle at work, the locals who offered the club a fundraising opportunity stacking firewood, the parents who bring their kids to training and many others who helped. Every contribution makes a difference.
Results:
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Emily Bell (6th-4th Kyu Under 150cm) Silver in Kata
Lisa Bell (6th-4th Kyu Adult) Gold in Kata and Silver in Kumite Grace Hura (12-15 year old Black Belt Girls)
Bronze in Kata and Gold in Kumite Emma Speedy (16-17 year old Black
Belt Girls)
Bronze in Kata and 4th in Kumite Grace and Emma have been selected to represent New Zealand at the upcoming ISKF World Championships in September. The Turangi Dojo would appreciate any fundraising opportunities over the coming months to help the girls and their team get to London.