Mudgee Martial Arts' year is up and running with athletes recently competing at the National All Styles Round One.
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Four of the seven athletes who competed last weekend had their first taste of a Karate competition, and they say they enjoyed the experience.
"It was lots of fun," Mia Halpin said about competing in point sparring and kata.
"It was a bit nerve-racking but a lot of fun," Eliza Halpin said who participated in continuous sparring and kata.
It was sometimes painful but it was good. It's better so I can watch people's style and learn from them.
- Jessica Newman said of competing in point sparring and kata
"When you start you're so focused so you don't have to worry as much because you just try to win," Hayden Lowe said after competing in continuous sparring and point sparring.
Meanwhile, Conner McGowan placed third in point sparring, while Liam Standen competed in point sparring and kata.
Competition regular, Jack Newman competed in point sparring pulling out all the stops including a new successful move resulting in a second place medal.
"It was a pretty good competition. I'm definitely going to keep using that new move I scored a point with in future competitions," he said.
Meanwhile, Bill Murphy came in third for traditional weapons and also placed fourth in kata.
"I think the nerves took over me," Bill said.
It was excellent to get amongst it all, it was a really great atmosphere.
- Bill Murphy
Arnab Ghosh had a successful competition, taking out first for point sparring, second in continuous sparring and third in forms.
"When I was competing in continuous I was a bit nervous but it was pretty fun. I'm feeling more confident for the next rounds," he said.
Mudgee Martial Arts instructor Geoff Spice says although he was unable to make it to the event, he is 'happy' with how the Mudgee athletes went in the first round of the year.
"I'm pretty happy with their performances on the day, especially the young girls," Spice said.
We hope to get those same people down to continue on with experiencing growth and working towards rounds three and four later in the year.
- Geoff Spice
"We just want to thank Ben Newman from Mudgee Tourist Bus who organised a bus free of charge to go down there and help manage the team."
The second round of the National All Styles will be on May 19 at Genea Netball Centre, Sydney Olympic Park.
Jay-Anna Sleeman
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
Reporter for the Western Advocate. First began as a sports journalist with ACM in 2018 before moving on to cover news and court.
