POLLET’S Martial Arts students dominated last month’s International Sport Karate Association Sydney City Open, at the Anne Clark Netball Centre.
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Of the 426 martial artists competing, seven Orange-based fighters entered the tournament, with six placing in at least one division each.
“It was only a small group who went, but they all competed so well,” Sensei Emma Gavin said.
“It’s great to see them competing. These events make all their hard work training worth it, and shows them there is more than just the dojo out there.
“It keeps them interested in the sport.”
Isaac Hogan and Sylas Henderson were the most successful of the seven, claiming four and three placings respectively.
Sixteen-year-old Hogan placed first in his koshiki division and placed second in contact sparring, jujitsu and point sparring.
Henderson, just five years old, claimed the top prize in jujitsu, and also finished second in koshiki and third in sword combat.
“Sylas is a seasoned competitor now, which is incredible for a five-year-old,” Sensei Gavin said.
“He does a wonderful job, and trains his heart out in any discipline he can find.”
Of Pollet’s other competitors, Sarah Wright placed first in kata, second in jujitsu and third in point sparring, Alex Shields won her kata division and placed second in point sparring, Bailey Marr was runner-up in his point sparring division and Ethan Henderson fought well, but was unplaced in sword combat, kata and sumo.
Sensei Gavin highlighted Connor Shields, who placed third in his kata division, as a standout performer.
“It was his first time competing after four years of training,” she said.
“He did a wonderful job, as did everyone else.
“It’s all great preparation for the (ISKA Martial Arts) World Cup in October, for the ones hoping to compete.”