Little did I imagine that twenty years ago, when I was reluctantly dragged along to Karate lessons with my two Karate-obsessed brothers in a small country town in Victoria's north called Mildura, that I would end up many years later with an undying passion for the art.

These days, with two World Shoto Cup Tournaments under my belt and hopefully some more to come I can say that Karate certainly does broaden ones horizons – to say the very least!

Osaka, Japan - 1996
My first overseas Karate adventure was the 1996 World Shoto Cup in Osaka, Japan. This was certainly an eye-opener. The All Japan Junior Titles was the curtain-raiser to the World Cup so you can imagine my surprise as I walked into the competition hall to see more than 1000 competitors on the floor.

The competition was tough but the Australians were very focused at the event. Sensei Takahashi and Sensei Stark coached us through the elimination rounds. Many of us got through the initial elimination rounds of the competition in both the Kata and Kumite events. The Australian Womens’ Team finished 4th in the world in the Womens’ Team Kumite event. Obviously, there were many celebratory drinks to be had following the World Cup in down town Osaka.

Following the Tournament, Sensei Takahashi took us on tour down South to some beautiful traditional villages including Sumoto to taste more of the tranquil and serene Japanese culture and way of life. However, our training for the trip had not finished. In sweltering temperatures, we found ourselves back on the Dojo floor in no time, to continue with our Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

Beautiful New Zealand
This experience was followed by two sensational training camps (Gasshukus) with Sensei Nishimura and Sensei Mark Willis at Turangi in beautiful New Zealand. There are three things I will never forget about those NZ Gasshukus:

• The asphalt on NZ roads – which felt like a multiple spear-head surface by the end of our bare-footed runs to the Dojo at about 7am each morning;
• The 1000 (on each leg) maegeri kick challenge (compliments of Sensei Nishimura); and
• The staying power of the Kiwi Karatekas at the bar at the end of each day (or at “second training” as it was colloquially known).

Tokyo, Japan - 2000
Then in 2000 the Aussie and NZ team headed back over to Tokyo, Japan for the Shoto Cup Tournament and for the most intensely challenging Gasshuku I have ever attended. We trained for 6 hours a day for 5 days with students from Aoyama University, doing what can only be described as extremely gruelling and physically taxing exercises. There were a few casualties along the way (some of them self inflicted hey Adam? – step away from the cooling spray!) but getting to the end of the training camp was an extreme physical and mental pinnacle for everyone on the team.

Following our preparations, it was onto Tokyo for the World Shoto Cup. Again competition was tough but this time the Australian Mens’ Team performed exceptionally well and fought their way into the Finals. The NZ Junior Girls team also excelled in the individual Kumite events. Celebrations continued into the night and a new world record was set for the most number of Karateka able to sleep in the one Japanese-sized Hotel room in the one night.

Again our generous Japanese hosts ensured that we were taken care of during our stay in Japan. Before we left, more sightseeing arrangements were made for us to see various temples and other amazing things with our new Japanese friends from Aoyama University and Sensei Takahashi.

Taupo, New Zealand – 2003
I took off to New Zealand again for the 4th Australasian Titles in Taupo in March 2003. The competition was tough and the Australian Men and Women Teams looked much stronger than they ever have before.

…and as to the future? – if my future Karate adventures are only as half as exciting and rewarding as the ones I have already experienced, I will be one happy Karateka. The team will be travelling back to Japan in 2003 for the next World Cup where I believe the JKA Australian team will be a force to be reckoned with. Oss!

But before I go, I wish to pay a very special thanks to my former instructors at JKA Melbourne who have made me the Karateka that I am today. Just to name a few, Sensei Nishimura, Sensei Walter Stark, Sensei Lloyd Baggott, Sensei Rui Diz, Sempai Cory Parker and Sempai Serena Cooray.

I also thank Sensei Pat Zappia, Sensei Ron Brown and Sensei Omer Cukovic for persevering with me during my humble beginnings in Mildura.

Last but not least I wish to thank Sensei Takahashi for his undying dedication to all the students of JKA Australia. He is an inspiration.

Visit Kim's Dojo - JKAA Paddington Dojo

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