Green machine

Kellyville karate kid Eric Wright has taken on some of the state’s best and now has his sights set on the next challenge.

Eric Wright with his instructor Shihan Rick Cunningham (6th Dan), who runs the Kyokushin Dojo at Annangrove.

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Kellyville karate kid Eric Wright has taken on some of the state’s best and now has his sights set on the next challenge.

Wright, 15, will compete in the Australian Karate Federation National Karate Championships in August, just a month after finishing second in his division at the NSW Karate Championships.

It was an impressive feat by the green belt, considering he was fighting older, more advanced athletes.

“I was competing in the Male 16-17 year division and I had many fights against black and brown belts from other clubs,” he said.

Wright will be competing in the Male 4th/5th Kyu Under 70kg open age category at nationals, and will need to push any nerves aside once he steps on to the mat.

“I don’t let it affect me, I just completely ignore it and that’s what works best for me,” he said.

Wright has been training under Rick Cunningham at the Annangrove dojo of Kyokushin International Martial Arts Australia.

He began karate three years ago after being encouraged by his friend who does karate as well as his dad who has trained in martial arts.

“He has a couple black belts in other martial arts, and he encouraged me to start training and I thought, ‘why not’,” Wright said.

The William Clarke College student also plays club cricket for the Rouse Hill Rams and his school.

He trains in karate two to three times per week at Annangrove and said his goals included working towards achieving his black belt and one day teaching others.

“I enjoy the fitness and self defence – it gives me confidence and it’s pretty much a good all-round sport,” he said.

Nominations are now open to the Local Sports Stars program.

To nominate someone you know, visit localsportsstars.com.au