The 28th annual Japan Karate Association of Australia National Championships was held on the Gold Coast from the 16th to the 21st March. Western Australia had a strong attendance with 37 attendees for the seminar and competition from Geraldton Karate Academy and Carey's Martial Arts. Of the 245 attendees, JKAA also welcomed 13 students from Aoyama University in Japan.

The week consisted of 3 days intensive training, which was conducted by chief instructor Takahashi Shihan, 8th Dan and OAM, assisted by Nishimura Sensei and Walter Stark Sensei from Melbourne, and Aragaki Sensei, current JKA female kata World Champion. Thursday was a much deserved rest for the students, with competition commencing on Friday for the colour belts, and some elimination rounds for the black belts. Saturday concluded the competition, with the remainder of black belt eliminations, and finals for all divisions.

The competitors for Geraldton Karate Academy and Carey's Martial Arts gave outstanding performances in both the individual and team events. From the individual events, 12 bronze medals, 10 silver medals, and 4 gold medals were won. Western Australia fought hard in both the men's and women's state team kumite. Todd Anderson, Andrew Carey, and Jason Merritt made up the men's state team kumite, and came away with a third place. Alicia Costantino, Jaimee-Leigh Carey, Hayley Milovitch and Samantha Reeves made up the women's state team kumite and won second place.

Amongst the state team fighting, the test matches for men and women between Australia and Japan was a spectacle to watch, with Australia cleaning up both divisions. Andrew Carey is the Australian Men's coach and captain, and fought for Australia in the men's side.

Andrew Carey and Jason Merritt gave spectacular performances, making Western Australia proud, with Andrew winning the Clem Soppa Excellence in Karate-do, and Jason Merritt winning the Senior Male JKAA Jeff Green Memorial Encouragement Award.

2010 is a big year for Western Australia as the 29th JKAA National Championships are set to be held in Perth in March. There is great enthusiasm from both clubs in taking up the challenge to host a successful tournament.

Proudly sponsored by:

• Dalgleish catering
• Quantum surveys ptyltd
• Geraldton Fruit and Vegetable supply
• Herks Panel repairs
• Fraser Gaudio Total Plastering
• Geraldton Karate Academy

A big thankyou to the fundraising committee for their fantastic donation for the hire of the two busses at the Goldcoast.