2023 Karate Tournaments Kick Off
2023 Karate Tournaments Kick Off
There’s been a fantastic start to the karate competition season.
Sophie and I have been working exceptionally hard in the off-season, so we are especially delighted with our victories.
Sophie’s first Australian Karate Federation tournament as a State team member was successful. She had been unwell for the last couple of days, so we’re especially delighted that she managed to get well in time to compete and take home a medal.
As for me, I surprised and delighted myself, earning a bronze medal in the tough Open Women’s Division (16+) at the first AKF tournament for 2023.
I’ve also been working towards being a karate referee, and I’m happy to report that I managed to pass all my exams, so I’m an official judge too.
After competing in the AKF tournament, I switched roles and helped the other judges to score. I have built many meaningful friendships at the dojo, so I was the only judge with a cheer squad!
While I’m proud to be a judge, I would choose to be an athlete any day. Judging is hard work, except when you are giving out medals. It’s my favorite part because I know how hard you work to earn that recognition in karate.
I’m on a learning curve with my role as judge, so I did make a few mistakes with the flags. But I can’t tell my kids to do hard things if I don’t do them myself!