Karate champs conquer... again
LISMORE continues to consolidate its reputation as one of the nation's strongest martial arts communities after local students yet again dominated competition at the National All Styles Titles last weekend.
A team of karate students from Lismore's Success Martial Arts dojo cleaned up at the titles at the Carrarra Sports Stadium on the Gold Coast, snatching 17 trophies.
All five debutants - Mitchell Bucher, Andrew Bell, Sam Isaac, Brock Fryer and Nicky Bootes - came away with at least one placing. Mitchell Bucher, aged 10, won the trifecta: first place in point sparring, continuous sparring, and forms. This result is unheard of for someone in their first tournament. Brock Fryer, aged 14, won first place in point sparring, defeating club mate Andrew Bell, aged 15, in a close final. Sam Isaac, aged 16, took third place in his continuous sparring division. Nicky Bootes brought home the first place trophy in women's point sparring and continuous sparring divisions.
The experienced Noble trio - Jake (aged 15), Courtney (aged 14) and Renee (aged 13) - won a swag of trophies. Jake won point sparring and took second in forms. Courtney and Renee, in the same division for continuous sparring, took first and third place respectively. Renee won her point sparring division and Courtney took second place in hers.
Brett O'Driscoll continued his outstanding run, taking second in the open black belt point sparring and third in the veterans (over 40) point sparring.
Fifteen-year-old black belt Brodie Flynn had a great bout in his point sparring division. He inexplicably didn't get the judges' decision - but he'll be back.
