Karate stars ready to become world masters

The dedication of these martial arts stars can be seen in their 6am starts and late Friday night practices.

READY TO FIGHT: Sunshine Coast Karate members (back, from left) Klaudia Caston, Sami Phillips, Rosemarie Caston, Patrick Edwards, Raiyan Khan, Na'ila Khan, Miguel Hardy, Faith Hardy, Renae Saunders and (front) Mahirah Khan, 5 are travelling to Canada for the world championships. Picture: Warren Lynam

THE dedication of these martial arts stars can be seen in their 6am starts and late Friday night practices.

Yet the team of 13 won't let a lack of sleep stop them becoming the world's best chito-ryu masters in the game.

Sunshine Coast Karate members are preparing for the trip of a lifetime to Canada to participate in the International Soke Cup next month.

Owner Martin Phillips said 12 months of hard work had gone into training for the world championships.

"The people on the team have certainly earned their place,” he said.

"Because it's the pinnacle event. It doesn't get much better than this.

"You're bringing the best from around together all at once place and time, so to perform well at an event like this is certainly something that everyone aspires to.”

Although their sights are set on winning big, Mr Phillips said the event was more than just a competition.

"It's largely about being apart of that global community that brings everyone together,” he said.

"It's not just a tournament, it's also about building those long-term friendships with people all over the world.”

Sam Hunt will be competing with the team and said it's "definitely special to be apart of”.

"It's great to have an opportunity to perform at a world level,” he said.

"And we're all quite a close group. Most of us have been training several years together so we all push each other to be the best.”

The team will compete in Canada for the Soke Cup from July 25.

They are required to fund the majority of their trip. Search SC Karate Soke Cup Team Fundraiser on GoFundMe to donate.