Five of eight karate players placed

Ruapehu Bulletin, 27 June 1989, Page 20

Five of eight karate players placed

Although not in attendance, Instructor Charles Mareikura of Whanake Rangataua Karate Shotokan-Ohakune Club, did well to prepare his small contingent of fighters for the Open Wellington Regional Karate Championships. Out of the eight performers, five of them were placed.

Held in Porirua recently the small group performed extremely well at the "all style" tournament. In his first outing *David Shanks lived up to expectations and was understandably very pleased to win the Boys' 11 years and Under section. However Gay Paul's first outing was not so fortuitous. The Girls Under and Over 45kg proved to be out of reach and Gay was unable to register any placings. Sharlezane Mareikura showed speed and de-

termination, and his gutsy performance enabled a clean sweep of the Boy's seven years division. His 10-year old sister Raana-Ellen managed a creditable second in the Girls 11 years section. Both these performances show extreme prowess for their age and are very promising Karateka. Michael Wihapi Junior, Frank Taylor Jnr and Robert Taylor fought in the boys' 13 years under 45kg which saw Michael unfortunately being put out in

the first round. His eagerness for training is a fine example for the younger ones. Once again, as it was last year, brother Frank and Robert Taylor fought each other in the finals which saw Frank once again the victor. Frank and Robert continue to apply themselves fanatically and certainly have come a long way. Junior Instructor Mario Mareikura could not adapt himself to the tournament situation and so the Boy's 15 year 2nd Kyn Black Belt division slipped from his grasp. Mario, a most exciting technician and a very explosive and dynamic Karateka was unable to register any of this form on the day.