The annual Riverina Kyokushin Karate Championships are set to grace the region once again, with competitors from across the nation making their way to Griffith for the esteemed event.
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From the kids padded division to the full-contact adults, fighters of all ages will be given the chance to test their meddle against the very best that Australia has to offer.
Sensei Frank Cirillo of Riverina Martial Arts and Total Fitness has been organising the event for the past 13 years, and he remains excited to see what talent will be competing this year.
"The event is pretty big for us because most of the time we have to travel," Cirillo explained.
"Now, the competition is coming to us."
Kyokushin Karate is known around the world as the strongest form of martial arts. It is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvement, discipline and hard training.
"The conditioning for kyokushin is full-on, it prepares people to face things,"Cirillo said
"Whether that be self defense or someone leading themselves into sports."
The championship aims to provide people in the Riverina area the opportunity to participate in a marquee tournament without having to venture to major cities, and all the expenses that come with travelling.
It provides training martial arts students with an abundance of experience, as they compete in a number of divisions against elite competitors.
Those divisions will include Brazilian Jiujitsu, all ages junior grade Kyokushin Karate, all ages senior grade Kyokushin Karate, and women's only Brazilian Jiujitsu.
Last year saw 150 competitors enter the sporting spectacle, while this year boasts the expectation of an even higher number. Many of which will be taking to the mat for the first time.
"It's all about getting experience on the mat, while winning is of course great, the building of experience is much more important," Cirillo explained.
"It is nerve wracking getting the courage to go on to the mat, and coming up against more skilled fighters without taking a backward step is great to see."
Now, martial arts fans and proud parents from across the region can look forward to this high-class event at Exies Bagtown Function Centre, starting at 11am on October 19.
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