Karate trio head to Australian Martial Arts Championships
A karate trio from the northern beaches are keen to make a mark at the Australian championships with spots on the world stage up for grabs.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Teenager Sasha Lewis only took up karate because her older brother Zane did it and it “looked cool’’.
Now the sport could take her onto the international stage.
JOIN NOW: NewsLocal digital subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 8 weeks
The 14-year-old, of Collaroy, recently won a state title and a spot at the upcoming Australian Martial Arts Championships at Port Macquarie.
Success at the national event could see her and fellow students at the Zen Chi Ryu school at Brookvale representing Australia in a world series next year.
“How I got into it was I was watching my brother doing it and I would do it at the back of the class,’’ Lewis said.
“I really liked it. I found it really interesting and it was something I hadn’t done before.
“I thought if he did it must be cool.’’
CUTE: Little big fan of AFLW
IRONMAN: Out to right a wrong
While she has only been doing competitions for about a year, Lewis won the full contact 13 to 15 weight division at the recent NSW titles.
“I only went into comps last year,’’ she said “I like learning the different skills.
“I feel like the competition gives you a reason to work harder as well, a goal to aspire to.’’
Lewis will be in familiar company at the Australian titles with numerous friends also competing.
Nina Von-Huben, 15, from Beacon Hill, came second in her age at the state championships while Chase McLean, 12, from Balgowlah Heights, finished third at the NSW titles.
These results earned them spots at the nationals.
“We are all really close,’’ Lewis said.
“It’s great to have teammates around. We all support each other and encourage each other.’’
A top five finish at the Australian titles in November will qualify them to compete in world series events next year.
IN OTHER NEWS
