More successes for local karate club

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 3, 16 June 1987, Page 13

More successes for local karate club

Chief Instructor Charles Mareikura along with 10 other members from Whanake Rangataua karate clubs of Ohakune and National Park have returned from the Annual Wellington Regional Open Karate Championships'. Training for the tournament was not as comprehensive as it should have been due to major commitments prior to the tournament but what little time was available was employed to the maximum.

Once again visiting teams from as far away as Kaitaia and Kaikohe as well as New Plymouth boosted the already large number of entries from the Wellington region. Almost 300 entrants in 30 divisions made full use of the five rings provided. This allowed the competition to flow smoothly and waiting time for the competitors was minimised. A fired up Thomas Mareikura fought his way

into the men's Kyn Grade under-88kgs. In his second outing in tournaments, Mareikura was pipped in the final after two extensions into extra time. National Park school teacher Alex Holes put on one of his better perfomances to oust his opponent in the Men's Black Belt under-88kgs final. Mario Mareikura showed good form to dispose of his rival in the boy's under-46kg up to 13 years

final, although Mareikura at times made it difficult for himself in using up unnecessary energy. Mario's older brothers Matthew and Richard did not sum-up the situation quickly enough and were narrowly beaten in the Boy's up-to-15yrs semi finals. However Matthew showed more fire and determination than his brother Richard but, contd.on back pg.

Karate contd. from pg.13

considering that this was his first tournament, Matthew faired very well. Jamie Forbes (Nat Park) also performed well in h first outing to reach the quarter finals in the Boy's up-to-15yrs. Teammate Awhina Edwards (Nat Park) bravely fought her way to a commendable third in the girl's up-to-13yrs. after receiving a bad cut to her mouth in her earlier match. Last year's 8yr girl's winner Raana Ellen Mareikura was defeated in the girls 9yrs and under event in the finals. Although showing much more flair and variety in technique Raana had to be satisfied with second place. Also to be content with second place in the Adult's Kata division was Dianne Legge of National Park, who seemed to lose her bearing in the final playoff. Serahn Jacobs also of National Park could only register one win in the earlier rounds of the Boy's-up-to-15yrs. Representation from most of Whanake Rangataua Karate's 25 Clubs throughout New Zealand was most rewarding. All but a few divisions were won by Whanake Rangataua Karate exponents. Other styliests from Okinawa Gojn, Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do also found the tournament testing. Instructor Charles Mareikura could not enter . the championships because of a severe knee injury suffered during a rugby match between Northern Wanganui and the Wanganui Metro team. The Ohakune Club trains at the rear of Sports Country Ski Hire. With a comprehensive range of training aids and weight equipment the members are fortunate indeed. Minna San Arigato Gozaimashita. thank you all very much. Kia ora.