RESULTS OF 23RD NATIONALS GOLD COAST 2004

IT'S GOLD ON THE GOLD COAST!

                                            The glorious Gold Coast and JKA Queensland played host to over 230 participants at the 23rd National Titles and Seminar from 26-31 July, 2004.  The venue was Carrara Stadium, which boasted huge floorspace, which caused the concern to some that Takahashi Shihan would need a loud speaker/microphone to make himself heard over the training sessions, but this was certainly not the case.  Shihan, with the assistance of Nishimura Sensei and other Senior Instructors, provided most informative training, with sessions on basics, focussing on speed and power, kumite and kata.

The traditional rest day was held on Thursday, with most visitors to the Coast availing themselves of the opportunity to visit the many theme parks, tourist attractions and shopping centres that the Coast is renowned for.  They were then more than ready to come back Friday for the spirited junior competition.

Saturday dawned as the Seniors day of reckoning, with competitors ready to test themselves against their opponents.  The judges and officials should be congratulated for the smooth running and fantastic timing of the day.

Sensei John Russo, President of JKA Queensland welcomed all in attendance the the National Anthems of Australia and Japan were most beautifully sung by his daughter, Helen Russo and Aisling Scott of Lang Park Dojo.  The Official Opening was performed by the Mayor of the Gold Coast, Cr Ron Clarke, MBE, former Olympic athlete and distance runner.  All in attendance were most impressed with his credentials as read by MC Sensei Joe Boucek on his introduction.  JKAA Honorary President, Mr Tom Burns, OAM, officially welcomed competitors to the tournament and spoke about the loss of his friend and JKA Chairman, Sensei Jeff Green, the previous August.

A most poignant and touching visual tribute to Sensei Jeff's life was shown on the big screen, set to music, which left many shedding a tear, but certainly remembering the big man with the big heart of JKA.  Takahashi Shihan then presented Mrs Noela Green, on behalf of the JKA, with a post humous 6th Dan Black Belt Certificate, beautifully framed, in honour of Jeff's achievements and dedication to JKA.

Sensei John Russo then introduced the Australian National Team, the Taipans, who were set to contest the 9th Shoto Cup in Tokyo in September, with Team Captain Michael Ettingshausen reading a poem as follows:-
 

Sensei Lutie Van den Berg's Mackay team then provided everyone in attendance with a fantastic display of kata and kumite, timed to music, which raised a huge round of applause from the audience.  The National Men's and Women's Team Kata Teams displayed their brilliance in timing in Team Kata.

JKA Australia would like to take this opportunity to thank Takahashi Shihan for providing such an informative and spirited training seminar, and the Organizing Committee of JKA Queensland for organizing such a fantastic, smoothly running tournament for 2004. 

SPECIAL TROPHIES

Clem Soppa Excellence in Karate Do
Danielle McDougall  Mandurah

Clem Soppa Karate Spirit Trophy
Katie Clarke  Mackay

John Day Memorial for most Spirited Junior
Tarni Wood   Bundaberg

JKAA Jeff Green Memorial Encouragement Awards

 

Tokaido Jeff Green Memorial Trophy

for Most Improved Junior Male
Eric Anthony  Logan Village

Tokaido Jeff Green Memorial Trophy

for Most Improved Junior Female
Emily Dunn  Mackay 

All Photos from the 23rd JKAA National Titles are available @

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