Elvis-loving karate teacher aims to inspire others
An Elvis-loving karate teacher has combined his passions in a theatrical performance to help fellow competitors travel to the sport’s world championships.
Botany’s Paul Fenech, a sensei at Shotokan Karate at Randwick, has a deep love for the music of Elvis Presley.
Mr Fenech’s admiration for Elvis is so great he has performed as him for more than 20 years.
The 51-year-old recently used his singing skills to help competitors across the state afford travel to the Shotokan world championships in the Czech Republic this month.
Mr Fenech and band played an Elvis show at Souths Juniors, fundraising for the competitors.
While sensei crooned hits like ‘Trouble’ and ‘A Little Less Conversation’, the martial artists demonstrated their moves.
The crowd loved it.
An auction and sponsors helped raise about $13,000 to offset travel costs.
Mr Fenech said he wanted to lead by example in staging the event.
“I wanted to see some younger people have an opportunity to go to the world championships,” he said.
“It’s the next generation we’re really helping.”
Mr Fenech is a nominee in the Service to Sport category of the Local Sports Stars Awards.
He has often demonstrated karate moves in his show, just as his idol — who was a black belt — did.
Local Sports Stars is aimed mainly at athletes 18 years and under. Categories include individual, team, inspiration and service to sport.
Nominate at localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal.
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