Hard work pays off with karate medals

Harvey karatekas took part in the 7th Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation Annual State Titles held at ARC Cockburn Central in Perth on June 1.

Teams from Geraldton, Perth and the South West travelled to Perth for the annual event which gave students who couldn’t make it to the National championships the opportunity to compete against each another.

Members from the National squad competing in the 2020 World Championships were also given the chance to introduce themselves at the event.

The Harvey team of 17 students excelled in both kata and kumite, and took home a range of medals including 11 gold, 17 silver and eight bronze.

This event gave national squad members the chance to hone their techniques and improve their skills.

Sensei Paganini Ursua said his students trained hard for the competition. “My students were very passionate about taking their achievements to the next level,” he said.

“Not only did they arrive to training earlier and leave later, they conditioned their bodies and perfected their techniques at home.

“It was no surprise that the results of their hard work turned out exceedingly well.

“We are now even more focused on the championships next year.”