Karatedo Shitokai New Zealand

 

The 2011 Nationals were soon upon us where Karate Do Shitokai New Zealand once again completed, although smaller in number than previous years. In total we had 6 competitors; from our Honbu dojo (Nicky Roberts, Matthew Baird and Zara Wech), the Kamo dojo (Matt Burns) and from the Palmerston North dojo (Dave and Kieran Nuku).

Small in number but still performing extremely well with the team winning 6 medals in total over the two days of competition. 

 

Nationals:                                                                                Secondary School
Nicky Roberts, Gold Senior Womans Kata                                   Zara Wech, Silver Junior Woman Kumite
Dave Nuku, Gold Vets Mens Kata                                                Zara Wech, Bronze -16 Woman Kumite
Matthew Baird, Silver Senior Mens Kata                                       Matt Burns, Bronse -19 Mens Kata

It was particularly pleasing that a Gold and Silver were in Open Senior competition, with Nicky reigning supreme in winning Senior Women Kata (she did not drop a flag over the entire competition) and Matthew Baird coming second behind Chris Rahardja in Senior Men kata (that is no disgrace as Chris is a World ranked competitor).

Nicky’s result is very encouraging, with the next two weekends Nicky will be competing in the Sugihara Cup, followed by the Commonwealth Karate Champs in Sydney.

The Commonwealths are huge, with 33 entries in Senior Women kata and over 40 entries for Senior Men kata. For Nicky to win the Senior Womans, this sets her up to face the next 2 tournaments with confidence.

Dave Nuku, our Palmerston North Instructor did very well to win the Veteran Men kata. In fact the division was merged with the Vets and Super Vets being combined so he is still giving the younger ones a run for their money. Dave's karate is looking good since his Sandan grading success earlier this year.

Also being one to try for an upset, Dave also competed in the Senior Mens and although he had a draw that could have provided some entertainment, he just couldn't quite get the required number of flags.

Kieran competed in the both events, Nationals and Secondary, losing in the second round by one flag in the Nationals and a tough call and bad draw put him out of the Secondary School. Nevermind, his Kata is improving all the time and he will be even more determined next year.

Zara looked very good for her 2 medals with Silver in Junior Women lightweight kumite and Bronze in -16 Secondary Schools kumite). Zara kata has improved hugely recently and was very unlucky to lose 2 important rounds 2-3, which could have gone either way. I think that next year Zara will surprise many people.

Matt Burns completed the medal count with a Bronze in the -19 Secondary Schools kata.

All in all, very good results for our organisation, and the results are a tribute to all the hard training our competitors have done.