GKR Karate International World Cup 5

15/08/2009 All Ages All Grades

State Netball Centre, Melbourne Australia

This year GKR conducted its 5th World Cup in Australia, at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre. The event was so big that it required using both of the Centre’s two large stadiums.

The main arena was jam-packed with spectators during the Opening Ceremony as the competitors from each country entered one by one. Shortly after, Kancho Sullivan addressed the 1300 plus competitors and 300 plus officials, and the World Cup was under way. Be sure to check out list of medal winners in the results section.

Day One

Day one consisted of all events minus the Open Black Belt divisions. Two stadiums, 12 rings in each, running non-stop from 10am to 7pm. Most events boasted over 70 competitors spread over 4 rings, so just to make the finals let alone pick up a medal, was a massive achievement.

GKR held a gala dinner on the Saturday evening at the prestigious Fleming Racetrack Function Centre. The sell-out event attracted 520 people from all over the world of GKR, and was a great opportunity for everyone to relax and socialise outside the tense environment of competition.

Day Two

Day two was exclusively for the Open Black Belt divisions, both team and individual. An enormous field of black belts, as 6 rings of men and 4 rings of women slowly dwindled its way down until it was time for the finals.

In the teams, the male divisions were dominated by NSW, who took out gold in both Team Kata and Kumite. The female divisions however belonged to Victoria who took out gold in both the Team Kata and Kumite. In the individuals, it was Sarah Coleman of the UK who took out the Women’s Open Kata title, while Victoria’s
Samantha Palmer took out the Kumite. In the men’s, it was NSW’s Lachlan Carr who successfully defended his World Kata title while Anthony Ryan took out his 4th World Kumite title.

Sunday was also the day for demonstrations, as GKR’s most Senior Instructors, Sensei Gavin Samin, Shihan Stacey Karetsian and Kancho Robert Sullivan all took the floor to wow the crowd with their skills and knowledge. In case you missed the action, GKR is currently producing a DVD of this event, including the demonstrations in full.

The highlight for many, was witnessing Kancho Robert Sullivan being honoured by his most Senior students after his demonstration, with his 8th (hatchi) Dan grading. Be sure to grab the upcoming Shimbun Magazine for the full story of all things World Cup. It includes a full summary of the competition, the demonstrations and Kancho’s grading. It will also have winner profiles and heaps of photos. It should be coming to your dojo in the very near future.

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

About GKR

GKR Karate International World Cup 5