By RUSSELL BENNETT
KARATE in the south-east just keeps going from strength to strength with a host of local martial artists excelling on the big stage recently at the Victorian State Championships.
James Davis – a star pupil at Dandenong’s Alan Murdoch Shukokai dojo – won gold in the veterans’ male Kumite, following in the footsteps of Hampton Park teenager Ngaheretia Kingi who competed in last year’s World Karate Federation Junior World Championships in Spain.
Over 200 competitors took part in this year’s Victorian State Championships. Davis had to overcome more than half a dozen opponents in his division, one being a former national champion.
“On the day I felt ok and very relaxed,” Davis told the Journal.
“All I could think of was just getting on the mat and competing (and now) I’m hoping that my winning feeling keeps going.”
Alan Murdoch Shukokai has long had a reputation for producing world-class fighters.
Current chief instructor, Fifth Dan Sensei Ennio Anselmi said it all started with Murdoch – Shukokai’s founder.
Murdoch was awarded the Seventh Dan Black Belt on 16 April 2006 but passed away later that year after a battle with cancer. He was just 60-years-of-age.
“He was full of energy – he didn’t smoke and he was as fit as a fiddle,” Sensei Anselmi said.
“He was a lot like Tom Hafey, a close friend of his.
“Alan was a big inspiration to all of us.
“It’s not just about competing here (at Shukokai) – it’s about having the right attitude and a commitment to training all the time.”
“We’ve had a lot of gold and silver in Kumite – in fact since our master (Murdoch) passed away eight-years-ago we’ve been in the top two in Australia,” Sensei Anselmi said.
“Shukokai breeds success.”
Next up on the major events calendar is the Australian Open in Sydney from 11 to 13 April. The Shukokai Open will be held in June, followed by the Oceania Championships in September and the World Championships in November.
For more information, visit www.amshukokai.com.au.
