Dojo cuts competition down to size

Students from Geraldton’s Traditional Shotokan Karate-do Federation Academy represented WA with distinction at the 2018 TSKF Australia National Titles, which were held in Victor Harbor, South Australia.

Despite WA only having three TSKF dojos, compared with 12 in Queensland and six in New South Wales, they dominated the competitions across the board, with the Geraldton contingent setting a high standard.

Antonio Priolo, who won three gold medals at the 2016 International Shotokan Karate Federation World Shoto Cup in 2016, again dominated and was awarded the Best in Karate-do title, with his mentors, senseis Pasco Costantino and Ryozo Hirata, watching on proudly.

Nathan Francis received the Senior Willis Sensei trophy for his outstanding efforts throughout the week, while it was also a remarkable tournament for Alicia France.

Having recently become a mother for the first time, France was the only Australian in the final four of her kata (individual fighting) division, where she competed against three Japanese opponents.

This result ensured her national selection for Australia later in the tournament, where she participated in a fighting test match against Japan.