Karate athletes to represent Australia in Japan

Perth Now

a day ago

A team of dedicated karate athletes from Brian Mackie's Karate will represent Australia at the 8th International Karate-Do Goju-Kai association Global championships in Chiba, Japan, this August.
An 8th Dan Hanshi and a pioneer of karate in Australia, Brian Mackie will lead 70 athletes ranging from just seven years old to 60.
The competition, held every four years, is returning to Japan for the first time since 1993, making it a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
'It's a lifetime opportunity,' Mr Mackie said.
'It won't be held in Japan again for another 20 years.'
More than 3000 competitors will make the journey to Japan, testing their skills against the best in the world in a blend of kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) events.
Goju-Kai, translated as 'hard and soft', balances power and relaxation, much like the yin-yang theory.
'You can't be tense all the time,' Mr Mackie said.
'Sometimes you're relaxed, and other times you're powerful. That's Goju-Kai.'
Mr Mackie opened the Karate-Do Goju-Kai Academy in Osborne Park in 1966.
Over nearly six decades, he has nurtured thousands of students and helped shape some of Australia's karate scene as the founder and president of the Australian Karate Federation WA.
Karate has become a true family affair for the Mackies and other families at his academy.
Mr Mackie's wife Gail is a former world champion; his children, Chantel and Ben, are national and international medallists; and now his grandchildren train at the academy.
For many karate begins as a hobby, but it often evolves into a way of life.
When grandparents who have spent years mastering martial arts guide their own grandchildren, they're not just teaching kicks and punches, they're passing down a legacy.
Brian Mackie's Karate team member Vincenzo Lozzi said watching his grandson tie his first white belt brought back memories of his first lesson.
'It's like seeing a mirror of your younger self, but with new energy and promise.' he said. Students and teachers from Brian Mackie's Karate in Osborne Park. Credit: Jackson Flindell / The West Australian
Other long-time students have followed similar paths.
Founding member Peter Gilkerson's son Dean represented Australia, and now Dean's son Henry is continuing the tradition.
In this year's team, a seven-year-old will compete alongside his 60-year-old grandfather.
'Normally we don't take children that young,' Mr Mackie said.
'But his grandfather is competing and the boy shows a lot of promise. This championship will inspire him for life.'
A fundraising effort by dedicated volunteers and sponsors helped raise $30,000 for the trip, which will help the students get to Japan.
'That's about $500 each to offset costs, plus bonus payments for those who do well,' Mr Mackie said.
The competition will run from August 7 to 11.