Dokan Karate Club

This year's National was a busier affair than last year and the standard appears to get higher every year.

We entered a large squad of twenty one students and our medal tally was

• 6 gold,
• 8 silver,
• 20 bronze.

Most impressive on the day was Eleisha Mitchinson who won three gold medals wiping the floor in her kata sections. She also got bronze in team kumite.

Other high achievers:

• Megan Purvis (who partnered Eleisha) - two gold and two bronze medals.
• Chloe Million - one gold and two silver medals.
• Liam Million - one silver and two bronze medals.
• Simone Stewart - two silver and one 1 bronze medal.

Although he did not win a gold medal Liam had a great day, fighting brilliantly in his kumite events. Fighting for their first time in a national competition were Hannah Nicholson and Simone Stewart who both showed tremendous heart and courage. Hannah won a bronze in individual kumite and Simone Stewart was narrowly beaten in the final to win silver.

Bailey Baker returned to training a few months back after an injury and in the individual kumite he was 7-0 ahead fighting in the reprocharge for bronze medal when an unfortunate kick to the fingers ended his day.

The club as a whole performed admirably. Everyone gave 100% effort which is the minimum that is expected if you are part of the Dokan squad.