Martial Arts in Australia

Martial Arts in Australia

Hi! It's Sam again, and I'm here to give you some insight into the vibrant world of Martial Arts, both here in NSW and Australia as a whole.

The Australian Martial Arts scene is one that I have been heavily involved in for a number of years (6 to be exact!). From ages 12 to 14, I did Kung Fu with the Praying Mantis Academy (www.prayingmantis.com.au). As this was done for school sport, it was based more on exercise than serious self defence. This left me with a burning interest in martial arts, and inspired me to seek further involvement in the sport.

Kung Fu at age 12 (aren't I cute : D)

It was this interest that led me to begin practicing Taikudo Karate through the Japanese Academy of Martial Arts (www.karateselfdefence.com), under the instruction of former Japanese, US and Australian Karate champion Hide Hirayama. Since then I have gained a great passion for this sport, and thus have continued training since 2006.

Hide, breaking blocks like it ain't no thang

(Photo from http://www.karateselfdefence.com/chief_instructor.htm)

The world of Australian competitive Karate and martial arts is one that is large in volume and wide in scope, ranging from junior in-school tournaments to national championships and open full contact competitions. All forms of Karate are registered under the Australian Karate Federation (www.akf.com.au), and thus state and national competitions within the federation see a great range of styles and techniques.

Another body that holds a primary role in organisation of Martial Arts tournaments is NAS or the National All Styles Championships (http://www.nationalallstyles.com.au). These are held at regional, state and national levels, and draw the most competitors in terms of both numbers and skill.

Karate tournaments are generally split into two main categories: Kumite and Kata (though the specific rules within those categories differs from competition to competition.

Kumite is free fighting, and involves competitors using Martial Arts techniques against one another on a points based system (generally one point for punches, two points for body kicks, three points for head kicks). Matches are carefully refereed, with points awarded by judges, whoever comes out with the most points at the end of the fight (usually lasting between 1 and 5 minutes) is declared the winner.

Kata refers to the use of specific sets of Martial Arts techniques, made to be presented in an aesthetically impressive 'war dance'. Each different style of martial art has its own Katas, made to reflect the individual aspects of their form. Katas are generally viewed by three judges, who give a score out of 10, from which the winner is declared after everyone has performed.

Me, after winning bronze in Kata in 2009

From 2006 to 2010, I competed in a number of tournaments at the local and inter-school level. I found a fair degree of success in this, winning silver and bronze in Kumite and Kata respectively in 2006, bronze medals in Kata in 2007 and 2008, and gold and silver in Kumite and Kata respectively in 2010. Unfortunately, I stopped entering competitions during 2011 and 2012 so I could focus on my HSC, but will be re-entering the scene this year, hoping to gain spots at the state and national level. Wish me Luck! :)

-Sam