By RUSSELL BENNETT
DANDENONG’S Shukokai karate dojo has long had a reputation for producing world-class fighters. But star pupil, 28-year-old Kit Fullinfaw has dished out a timely recent reminder – taking home a pair of bronze medals from the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Montreal.
Her karate journey started in 1995 after seeing a poster advertising the sport at her local pool. A year later, she was already in the thick of the action at competition level.
Then, after some 17 years of pure hard work and dedication, she was named to her first Australian national team. Despite spending more than her fair share of time in waiting, Kit was determined to make every post a winner when she finally got her chance to shine – winning bronze in both the kata and kumite disciplines half a world away in Canada.
Her sheer drive and determination saw her make the squad on the back of strong performances at both state and national level, and now she’s got her sights set on the next Commonwealth championships in India in 2015.
She credits the Shukokai’s top-level coaches – including chief instructor Sensei Ennio Anselmi – and her fellow fighters for turning her into a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
“I was just ecstatic,” she told the Journal recently, following her arrival back on home shores.
“It’s been a very long journey just to make the team, and the medals are definitely my career highlight so far.”
Kit was particularly thankful to have a coach of Sensei Ennio’s class in her corner.
“He is such a great coach because of his passion, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for the sport, his dojo, and his students,” she said.
“His words of encouragement and persistence to help all his students reach their goals – it’s just amazing.”
Kit has fought internationally before – in tournaments in Indonesia, Fiji, New Zealand, the United States and Italy – but never had the chance to don the Australian team tracksuit until this year. And now that she’s had a taste of it, she wants more.
The Greens Road-based Shukokai is always on the lookout for new students eager to learn the craft and refine their skills, and caters to everyone from beginner to elite level.
The sport improves self-defense skills, and also mental strength, confidence and overall fitness levels.
The dojo has been around for 40 years and its list of accolades seems endless. But Shukokai isn’t just synonymous with karate. It also has gym facilities, offers self-defence classes, and teaches Mui Thai, kickboxing and boxing.
For more information, call 9794 6005.
