"Progression? I don't really know, but a lot of training went into it."
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The competitive year has come to a close for Mudgee Martial Arts (MMA) students, with the National All Styles National Championships the final test for 2019.
A select number of students made the lengthy trip to Melbourne on October 30 for the two day event and for some, they didn't come home empty handed.
Arnab Ghosh took out first place in point sparring and third in continuous sparring in his first year competing and says, "it's not too bad."
"I was a bit nervous at the start, it was harder than I expected," he said.
"It feels pretty heavy having the medals around my neck.
"Our code is 'we're the bread, we just got to butter it' so we've just got to get all the skills and put them together."
As for William Drakeford, he placed first in the State versus State point sparring and second in continuous sparring category.
"I was actually pumped the moment I got there and I think that made a difference. It was really competitive but because I trained all year, even with my mentality, I did really well," he said.
Meanwhile, Drakeford's brother Allen also took first place in the junior male 12-14 years Kumite teams, and says "I'm very stoked about that."
Hayden Lowe and Jack Newman put in a team effort to also walk away with first placing in the junior make 15-17 years Kumite teams.
"Medal or not, it's such a high level of competition, it was a very good experience, it was really cool," Lowe said.
I have definitely grown a lot more in confidence, 100 per cent, even when I'm just training I just feel better about it.
- Hayden Lowe
"I went alright, there was plenty of tough competition. I really enjoyed myself, I feel good about the placing, it was a team effort," Newman added.
As for Jessika Newman, Liam Standen and Ashley Maher, it was all a matter of self-achievement.
"I didn't get any places but I feel very proud of myself to have just gone to Nationals," Jessika said.
"I didn't make any places but I did improve much more and I felt good for even getting to Nationals. There were a lot of good athletes and they had good sportsmanship, it was great," Standen said.
"Progression? I don't really know, but a lot of training went into it."
I really liked how competitive I could be because I'm a really competitive person, but I could have done better.
- Ashley Maher
"I want to try and get a medal in point sparring next year."
The students made a point of emphasising their gratefulness towards their teaching staff, parents and Ben Newman who has, only countless occasions, driven them to competitions throughout the year.
"I would just like to thank Ben Newman for driving us to Melbourne, it wouldn't happen without his help," Allen said.
I would just like to thank Ben Newman and his family, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't have been able to get to Melbourne, Geoff and Jackie Spice for training us every year, and mum and dad.
- William Drakeford
"Thank you to Ben Newman, our Sensei's for inspiring us and helping us get to Melbourne," Arnab said.
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.
