Lithgow karate members to compete at International Taikai World Championships

Fourteen members of the Seito Shito Ryu Phillips Dojo from Lithgow and Bathurst are set to karate chop their way to Freemantle, Western Australia for the 12^th International Taikai World Championships.

The event will be held for the first time in Australia from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, with competitors from Japan, USA, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Argentina and Chile.

Seito Shito Ryu Phillips Dojo sensei Colin Phillips said he looked forward to the experience for the students to compete at an international level.

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"They have been practicing every Saturday here at PCYC Lithgow and there are some nerves especially for our newer members," he said.

Many of the new members competing in the event for the first time said they looked forward to the experience.

"I'm a bit nervous because it's my first time but I think it will be fun and I'll make new friends," 10 year-old Tehnisha Fowler-Bennett said.

Eli Tonkin,11, said he was excited to get medals and have fun.

Gemma Smith, who is also 11, will be competing for her second time. She said, although she "sort of knew what to expect", she was still nervous.

Phillips said the new members would have the opportunity to meet Soke Tsukasa Mabuni.

"Soke Tsukasa Mabuni is the head of our style and our newer members will get to meet her for the first time which will be a great honour," he said.

During the event students will compete in Kumite (fighting) events and Kata (pre-arranged movement patterns).

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"I'm looking forward to watching our students gain some experience at an international level and they love karate so this will hopefully further that," Phillips said.

Students will also have the opportunity to meet and train with high ranking master instructors known as Shihan, from around the world.

"Shihan will help improve their karate techniques in a special training seminar on the last day of the event," Phillips said.

He said the highlight of the trip would be making friends around the world with the same interest, where all walks of life come together.

"We are looking forward to meeting our old friends and making new ones, it's all about networking.

"We hope everyone has a good time and does the best they can do," he said.

Aimee Kennedy, Matthew Foran and Phil Jones will also be contesting for their black belts at the competition.

"I have been preparing to perform Kata and go through all my knowledge. I'm not nervous now but I will be when I get there," Kennedy said.

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Sensei David Smith will be defending his gold medalist title for a second year in Kumite.

"I've been doing lots of training here with these guys, both physically and mentally.

"Physically it's hard but mentally it's harder, so I'm trying my best to relax, calm the nerves and enjoy it," he said.