Amanda won silver in the women’s open points sparring and bronze in the women’s open forms at Sydney Olympic Park recently.

Injury and the call of higher learning had kept Amanda away from karate training for more than a decade.

However, she joined South Coast Karate about six months ago and considered returning to compete in tournaments after coach and senior instructor, David Rush, encouraged her to do so this year.

Amanda said that sensei David has coached other students to reach success at state and national level in the past.

“That experience and his own success at the international tournament level is helping me and he is providing me with valuable assistance in the lead up to my grading this July," said Amanda.

“I have been doing personal training sessions each week to return to fitness and to learn new techniques, drills and katas required for my grading in Rockhampton under the Japanese instructors.

Although the training sessions have been tough, I am definitely getting fitter and feeling more confident.”

David Rush said Amanda was understandably nervous after such a long time away from tournaments.

“She has a very positive approach to increasingly harder training and is a pleasure to coach,"  said David.

“Amanda should be very pleased with her result and it will increase her confidence in future tournaments.”

Amanda’s success may have a positive effect on the other students in the club, especially some of the kids.

“It may encourage our students to compete in tournaments this year which helps to improve their karate," said David.

“One of the great things about the sport of karate is that we train all year round and in all weather conditions.

“Karate is one of the best forms of exercise and great for flexibility that people of all ages can practice.”

New members are always welcome at South Coast Karate.

New classes now held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Nowra Public and North Nowra Public Schools.

Phone 0418 977 402 or visit: www.shotokankarate.com.au