Some of New Zealand’s top proponents of kyokushin karate will fight it out in Timaru on Saturday.
The town is hosting the South Island Kyokushin Karate tournament, with 60 entrants from around New Zealand competing in kata — a set pattern of defence and attack movements
— and fighting.
Organiser Mark Doudle said South Canterbury would be well represented by competitors from dojo in Timaru, Waimate and Fairlie, along with others from dojo in Cromwell and Christchurch.
While Timaru had hosted a number of tournaments, it had been some years since an official South Island tournament had been held there.
A higher than usual number of North Island entrants was expected, due to competitors wanting preparation opportunities for a fighting event in Japan near the end of the year.
Doudle said the day would offer people in South Canterbury the chance to see some of New Zealand’s top fighters in fullcontact action.
While children competing would have protective armour and head gear, men would be fighting bare knuckled, with just a mouthguard and groin guard for protection.
The tournament will be held at Roncalli College Hall, from 10am to about 3pm.
