Gladstone Park student Saleh smashes his way to Japanese karate tournament win

GLADSTONE Park Secondary School student Saleh Amine could become the next international “Karate Kid” — or an accountant.

Saleh Amine won a big tournament in Japan. Picture: Hamish Blair

GLADSTONE Park Secondary School student Saleh Amine could become the next international “Karate Kid” — or an accountant.

He’s set his heart on martial arts after winning one of three male under-18 divisions in the recent World Kumite Organisation (WKO) Junior All Tournament in Japan.

His win qualified him for a shot at the overall world junior championships, but he’s keeping his options open.

“I want a career in martial arts but if that’s not possible, I like accountancy,” the 16-year-old said.

“I’ve been doing karate for four-and-a-half years and I like to win and training to be the best I can.

“My dad [Haissam] was a wrestling champ in Lebanon, but I like standing and throwing kicks so chose karate.

“My parents have encouraged me to learn the discipline of karate and not be on the streets; and I teach karate, so have learnt to be humble and explain the correct techniques to younger students.”

Saleh said he was excited to win the trophy, although “I can’t read the title because it’s in Japanese”.

His mother, Hayait, who took him to Japan, said the family was proud of his achievements both in karate and at school, and had told him it was an honour just to be chosen to represent Australia.

Saleh Amine. Picture: Hamish Blair

“He’s in VCE Year 11 and karate gives him discipline in a family-like, supportive dojo which helps him with his schoolwork, as well as giving him wind-down time from study,” Mrs Amine said.

Saleh, known as Sal, trains and teaches at Glenroy’s Fighting Arts Fitness Centre (FAFC), and won the WKO’s central Japan and South Pacific under-18 division, while his dojo mate Laila Mousa, from Glenroy, won the female under-18 title.

They will compete against the winners of the MKO’s northern Japan and middle-east division and southern Japan and European division for the overall world junior championship, Peter Rich from the FAFC dojo said.

“Sal has been lifting his skills to another level every tournament and with his dedication he will step up again,” Mr Rich said.

He said the club took eight competitors to the Japan tournament, including the Broadmeadows’ family known as the “fighting Sultans” — Sabah, 14, her brother Ali, 13, and sister Summer, 8 — who did not place.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement. The program is now a national celebration and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

CLICK HERE for full details and to nominate an athlete.

Saleh Amine with the trophy from his big karate tournament win in Japan. Picture: Hamish Blair