NOWRA Karate student Owen Bourke and his instructor David Rush brought home a swag of medals from the recent NSW National All Styles martial arts tournament, held in Sydney.
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Bourke, a fourth Kyu (purple belt), comfortably won his bouts to face off against a black belt in the final of the 16 to 17 years fifth Kyu to black belt male points sparring event.
The result after time expired was a draw with both competitors scoring only one point each.
The match was extended and the winner was the first to score.
Although first to attack in extended time, Bourke was denied the point and then his opponent scored shortly after to win the match.
This silver medal in addition to his gold medal in the same event in March earlier in this year has earned him enough points for an invitation at the Australian Championships in November.
Rush won silver in the veteran’s male forms and finished in a draw with his opponent in the veteran’s points sparring.
This was a great match to watch as Rush, a modest 167 centimetres tall, and his opponent, a man well over two metres, made it a true David and Goliath match.
Being faster, Rush moved in front on points but in the last seconds his competitor scored twice with the match being a draw and going into extended time.
Despite his speed, Rush had not competed for almost two years and his competitor scored first, winning the match.
Not one to give up easily, Rush practiced his kata in anticipation of the men’s open black belt forms event.
He was up against Dean Gould, who beat Rush to win gold in the same event in the final at the National All Styles Australian Championships in 2010.
Rush was second to perform in the large group comprising young men more than half his age.
Dean Gould, although strong, was unable to match Rush’s composed routine and the rest of the competitors, while some were close, were also unable to beat his score and he won the event.
“Strong competition makes winning all the more enjoyable and it is great that I can still match it with these younger guys,” Rush said.
“But competition is just a part of karate. I really enjoy teaching and coaching.”
Rush said he was more focused on building strong black belts and a successful club.
For more information on Nowra Karate call 4421 5542 or go to www.shotokankarate.com.au