Representing the club in their very first karate tournament - from the juniors was Rebecca Withers, nine years (Forbes) and Kye Herft, 10 years (Parkes) and in the adults Renae Herft (Parkes), and in her first Kyokushin full contact fight Natalie Caruana (Parkes).

Rebecca Withers and Kye Herft fought in the full-contact children’s division; however the modifications introduced on the day (aimed to limit contact) posed a bit of an obstacle as it is not the style of fighting that the students had prepared for, and although both Rebecca and Kye dominated their opponents they lost their fights on technicalities. 

Their Sensei (instructor) and coach Michelle Kable said both students displayed outstanding skill, strength and determination and most importantly excellent sportsmanship on the day and both are keen to compete again.

“Although the change in fighting rules was a bit of a setback and disappointing, we will be able to adapt our techniques and approach for the next tournament and be able to remain competitive,” she said.

In the adult’s division Renae Herft, a white belt, who has just started her karate journey, training with Sensei Kable in Kyokushin Karate for just four months, showedthe makings of a future Australian Champion; persevering through numerous fouled punches to the face to win her division and take home the NSW State Championship title.

Renae’s sister, Natalie Caruana, a more experienced martial artist has also only started Kyokushin Karate this year and was well prepared for the full contact fights. 

Dropping 5kg in the last month to make her weight division Natalie was able to maintain her strength and dominated her opponent with snapping head kicks, punches and powerful leg kicks to also win her division and take home the tile of NSW State Champion. Watch this space for great things to come.

Central West Kyokushin Karate club members have been inspired by the club’s success on the weekend, and are now planning on preparing for the Australian National Championships in August.

Sensei Kable, a former Australian full-contact champion and Australian representative herself, said the karate club is growing stronger. 

“With a pool of talented and enthusiastic members who are excelling in the art, we will have a strong stable of up-and-coming fighters with the potential to achieve great things – we breed them tough out here in the bush and Central West Kyokushin Karate will definitely leave their mark on the fighting circuit,” she said. “We’re very proud of the courage shown on the weekend, with all fighters exhibiting great karate and outstanding sportsmanship. 

“We were very lucky to have a support crew of family and friends there to support the awesome foursome and cheer them home.”

For more information on the Central West Kyokushin Club in Parkes and Forbes contact Michelle Kable on 0458 111 125.