Logan Village Karate Club is kicking and punching its way to new heights in the martial arts world.
The club recently competed in the Australian National Shotokan Karate Championships at Runaway Bay and club member Randall Legg said the club’s members represented themselves well.
“From our club there was 12 members who went down, some of our black belt girls got quite a few medals and the club placed in the top six of Australia,” he said.
The Traditional Shotokan Karate Federation club has been punching above it weight for some time with Legg attributing the club’s success to its sensei Jo Boucek.
“We’re only Logan Village, we are a small country club but we’re just lucky that we have a great sensei who lives in the area,”he said.
During the championships not only do martial artists compete in kumite (fighting) and kata (form) but they also go through mandatory three day training seminar.
“Our grand master Takahashi Shihan he comes out for it and takes a three day seminar prior to the competition,” he said.
“Takahashi Shihan is master sensei, our boss that visits from Japan.
“He calls gradings for black belts and he attends most comps (competitions). He comes by surprise sometimes to keep a watch full eye over all sensei and dojo heads.
“He sharpens us right up, he will walk around with his stick and give us a tap if we’re not standing correctly or in the right position, he also goes very hard on all of his dojo masters.”
Legg said though some club members fared better than others he said all students deserved to take credit for the club’s overall success.
“Leanne Robertson came home with a first in kata and a second in kumite. She has done herself and her club very proud,” he said.
“Stacey Robertson, Dawn Talbot, Georgia Legg , all placed in either kumite or kata.
“Ryan Murphey went the distance in a hard fought fight and gave a very strong and tough performance to come second.
“There were many of the team who came home without medals, but the same pride and a humble confidence, fulfilment and growth that every member of every club takes away after a competition.
“It's strange but after hours or exhaustion and blisters and bleeding feet, being punched and kicked and judged, you go home walking a bit taller and stronger.”
With the Australian team officially announced at the yearly championships Legg said a few of the club’s members had caught the eye of the grand master for possible future selection.
“There’s actually two of our students who are under the radar a bit and the two of them got picked on a bit by shihan which is always a good sign,” he said.
The club is now preparing for the Queensland championships later this year and Legg was confident the club would do more than hold its own.
“Logan Village is a small club compared to others within Shotokan yet our sensei has managed to produce some absolute champions. We all are very grateful for the lessons of sensei Joe. It's not just karate, it's a way of life,” he said.