From the beginning Australians have had to fend for themselves. Our founders certainly did not have a different model in mind for the new colony. These people brought with them a class-based system and tried very hard to replicate a social framework where breeding dictated status. They imposed a structure based largely on the misfortune of thousands of their countrymen who were “transported” on account of the pettiest of crimes. Yet somehow over time, a society emerged that flew in the face of this to create a prosperous nation, free, literally of the shackles of class which rose to be the fairest and most desirable place to live in the world. Amazingly this has all been done in peace, a far cry from the wars and civil upheaval that accompanied the birth of other new nations.
Australia now takes care of itself very well and this self-reliance has come about against the odds and in geographical isolation. This and other factors, not least two world wars where Aussies contributed more than their fair share, created what is now our national signature - the famous Anzac Spirit. This spirit has not been cultivated over centuries, nor does it exist only in terms of past glories, it is a living phenomenon and it is characterised by fairness, tolerance and commitment to a common purpose. These are high ideals but they are also simple everyday realities in which any citizen of this land can participate and look forward to even bigger and better things because of.
The spirit of achievement is evident everywhere in Australia. Most of us have been faced with adversity at sometime or another and most have come through. The fortunate ones have been seen and received acknowledgement for what they did and the very fortunate ones have been able to do it in full view of the world. We value challenge and we welcome those who bring it to us, here and abroad.
The upcoming world Karate championships will
again throw open Australia’s doors to the rest of the world. The Karate
elite will converge on Sydney’s Homebush to match skills and display
the results of years of careful preparation in the art. Australia will take
its place among the best and will show us what it can do. Despite being an
advanced and highly accomplished nation, we are not pre-eminent in Karate,
that mantle belongs to Japan. At the last Shoto World Cup in Tokyo this point
was emphatically made when the host nation won every event on the programme.
This dominance is good. It sets the bar very high and it presents the rest
of the world with a choice; be who you are, or be the best. Every time the
likes of Laver, Rosewall, Thorpe, Fraser, Bradman, Lewis, Boyle, Landy, Clarke
and Rose stepped up they had the same choice - they knew exactly what their
job was - and they chose to do it. Likewise this week in Sydney the national
team of JKA Australia’s task is clear; tap into the Anzac spirit, face
the best with no doubts, and show the world that what we have achieved in
the sporting arena can be equalled in the ultimate skills test in Budo Karate.
JKA Victoria wishes the Taipans, all visiting nations, and the organisers of the Funakoshi Gichin Cup - 10th World Karate-do Championships every possible success. Gambatte Kudasai.
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