Brydie Egan is one of the most promising karate students sensei Warren John has ever instructed
Karate student Brydie Egan thrives on new-found confidence
Local Sports Stars
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DOONSIDE’S Brydie Egan has been nominated for a 2018 Local Sport Star Award in the Young Sporting Spirit Individual category for demonstrating discipline and commitment to martial arts, and even turning a situation with school bullying around.
“I am over the moon to be nominated,” she said.
The martial arts star, 12, said she was proud to be an example of female excellence in a male-dominated sport.
“Karate is a sport that anyone can do regardless of age, gender or disabilities,” she said.
Brydie was nominated by her instructor Warren John, a karate coach with more than 40 years experience. He runs Universal Kempo Karate Do at Doonside and said he had not seen such a promising student.
“She is an incredible student. She never gives up,” Mr John said. “I think she has the potential to be an international fighter one day.”
The karate master hopes the Local Sports Star Award nomination honours the hard work and training that Brydie has put in this year.
Brydie’s new skill set has also had benefits at home, according to her grandfather and sole carer Kerwin Meldrum. He introduced his granddaughter to a range of sports including rugby and karate as a means of distracting Brydie from bullying at school.
“The point of this was never to learn how to beat anyone up,” Mr Meldrum said.
“She has a new confidence, that even extends to her school work, academically we have seen improvements,” he said.
Although currently focused on excelling through her grading levels, Brydie said she isn’t interested in formal competitions and tournaments at this stage.
Coach John said his student cared more about learning the discipline than competing.
“She’s used karate not to show off but to push herself and change her situation,” Mr John said.
“I’ve seen martial arts increase kid’s confidence and I hope that Brydie’s nomination can inspire other kids who might be dealing with similar issues around bullying.”
The 2018 awards run until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also a Service To Sport category. Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal