He’s tall, he’s fierce, and he’s a champion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Everybody, meet Jack Newman.
Mudgee Martial Arts trained Newman recently made his way to the National All Styles Martial Arts Tournament at the Gold Coast.
Heading into the competition feeling understandably nervous, Jack had his hype routine in check.
“I always do drills before a match and listen to music that gets me pumped,” Newman said.
Up against some tough competition, the 16-year-old was humble about his chances of placing and was stunned to come out with a third place for point sparring.
I was going there hoping I’d come a place but I originally thought I was going to go my hardest and someone would beat me, but I wasn’t expecting to get a placing like third.
- Jack Newman
Despite Newman feeling satisfied after the round with how he performed, he went back to video replay and says there’s always something that can be improved.
“I went all out at that moment but I rewatched a video of that round and I did pick up on things I could have done better,” he said.
This is the first time Newman has come in such a high placing before, and is feeling “pretty good” about it.
Jack has dedicated 11 years of his life to Karate, and admits he wouldn’t be the same person without it.
“I’ve been doing it most of my living memory,” he said.
“I would be a bit of a different person without karate, definitely with fitness and personality.”
I cannot think of a time where I wouldn’t be doing karate, it would feel strange without it.
- Jack Newman
The popular Karate movies aren’t a source of inspiration for Jack as he feels they tend to glorify the sport.
“I’m not sure how things are in China but these kids beat each other up, and you should be showing techniques… it’s umm, different,” he said.
Newman is looking forward to what 2019 brings, with hopes of achieving similar results.
I’m looking forward to next year and I’m hoping to get similar results, but you just never know.
- Jack Newman