The medal was a first for any Australian team at a world championship.

The championships were held in Jakarta in Indonesia with hundreds of the best fighters from all over the world attending.

Around 141 countries competed in the championships with Australia’s national coach being Lithgow’s Rob Williams.

Bennett found himself in the semi finals in the heavyweight division and fought well, but was beaten by his more experienced and much heavier Kyrzbekistan opponent.

“It was an experience I will never forget.

“The opening ceremony was unreal and once the bouts started there were over 100 contested each day.

“The skills and power of the competitors was awesome and I was proud of the way I performed.

“The training leading up to the world championships with Rob Williams (Australian coach) was hard but very enjoyable.

“This was the last chance for me to compete as you are only allowed to fight up until you are 35, so to finish with a world bronze was pretty special.”

The hard training came at the right time for Bennett who will put his mechanic tools away and head of to the Police Academy in Goulburn in January.

He will be training to join the police force where he will start up a new chapter in his life.

“The quality of the competition was second to none which is to be expected at a world event,” Williams said.

“All the Australian fighters should hold their heads high as they gave their best and competed with spirit and determination.

“I was very proud of their efforts.

“I thought Australia had been unlucky in the fact that we had drawn some of the top Sanda countries in the world for our first rounds (China, Russia and Vietnam) and for Australia to come away with our first ever medal for Sanda at a World Wushu Championship (bronze to John) made it even more special.

“Although beaten, they all put up a great effort and will be all the better for the experience.

“Full marks to all the Australian team members who prepared themselves to their best and they all can be proud of the way they performed.”