JYOSHINMON SHORIN-RYU

Excellent results for our Jyoshinmon members who were selected for the New Zealand National Team to compete in the Kumite categories at the World Goju Ryu Karate Championships, which was held for the first time in Auckland.

Shihan David Bennett and Sensei Beaty Bennett were treated at the VIP section where they could give their support more closely to all the action. Sensei Jason Ng was a Judge and Referee for both Kata and Kumite. Senpai Jojina Scott assisted as a Table Official, with Sian Scott and Zak Scott doing their share of helping to marshall the competitors to the arena.

There were close to 30 countries participating at this World karate event which was a huge success, from hosting to championship results with New Zealand successfully at the top of the medals table! The country to host the next WGKF is Romania in 2017.

Here is a special mention from Sensei Chris Bennett was both competitor and one of the New Zealand Coaches [who also took the national squad training sessions leading up to the championships]:

Massive thank you to everyone for the compliments over the last few days, and to everyone involved in the World Goju Ryu Karate Championships New Zealand 2015. It was well organised, well executed and was amazing to be part of.

Congratulations to everyone who competed at the tournament. Medal or not, it was a hell of an experience!

We won the Mens Team Kumite which was the final event of the tournament. It really felt like we'd gone back in time with Braedyn Birss coaching us. Brendon Running did a fantastic job as Team Captain and really inspired us with the way he took the fight to his opponent, giving us the points lead that we needed even with a broken eye socket and standard Brendon concussion.

James Holder was as solid as ever giving us a much needed win. Antonino Motuliki had the hardest fight, against a competitor that I believe would have beaten any of us. So keep your head up, you did an amazing job especially given your age. Carl Monk fought a competitor with twice as much experience on the tatami as Carl's been alive I think. To come out of there without losing was a fantastic achievement as he had whipped nearly everyone else he fought. You guys gave us a perfect lead going into the last round that let me fight my fight, so thank you.

Zak Scott did really well getting 2nd place in the Men's under 60Kg category, beating his first opponent convincingly. The experience gained from a tournament like this is invaluable. Sian Scott was really unlucky to not get a medal with two very strong fighters in the semi final and repechage. A bit more Kumite training and I think a medal would've been gained.

Sevita Laufoli with her brothers Bruce and Ross, you all fought so well. If anything, you guys are far better than you realise and should fight with more confidence out on the mat.

Lastly, thank you Dennis May for honouring Mexha Sane during the medal ceremony. I know that along with our other members there - Jojina Scott, my parents David and Beaty Bennett, Jason Ng, Jose Castillo, Hine Kearns, Catherine Sabine and most especially Mary Sane it was really appreciated. Mexha is never far from our thoughts, and her spirit motivated me when I doubted myself before my fights.

Best regards,
Chris Bennett
Sensei-Jyoshinmon NZ

Here are our team's results: