WELL DONE: (from left) Ed Levin, Graham Rose, Jim Phillips and Dan Anthony Piconi present Griffith’s (centre) John Rule with his third Dan black belt.
GRIFFITH PCYC claimed two state champions at the NSW International Union Karate Organisation titles in Sydney with Janvi Beri and Ethan Scheafer taking out their categories.
Janvi won the 11-12 years division for the second time in beating a fellow Griffith fighter, with Abbey Enness narrowly losing in a close decision.
Despite giving up size and experience, Ethan won the seven years division to continue his form at the recently held Griffith tournament.
Karla Von-Nida took second place in the nine to 10 year division, with the local fighter having to push through a tough draw just to make the final.
Sensei John Rule had comments from other officials about the spirit that Karla showed in all of her fights.
“Issac Ryan in the 11 to 12 year boys had the hardest draw of all, fighting the winner in that division, who is five belts higher, for the last two years,” Rule said.
“But it was a great fight, with the two boys throwing everything at each other, with Issac narrowly losing in a controversial decision.”
Hollie Rule fought a one-off bout for the state title against a black belt who was the current champion.
The Griffith fighter pushed her opponent with punches to the body and low kicks but in the end the NSW champ again got the judges’ decision in a close fight and held on to her title.
Hollie also took to the mat at the International Karate Organisation nationals where she moved down to lightweight, but weighing two kilograms over, she attempted to cut weight with an hour in a sauna, which left her still over.
Despite admitting to being worried about his daughter and student, Sensei Rule was proud of her effort against a second Dan black belt, with a size advantage.
“Hollie threw every thing she had left, with the crowd showing their approval of a good fight put up by both women, with a very good applause.
“The judges’ decision went with the second Dan black belt who eventually won third place in Australia.”
