Leading Sunshine Coast karate talents ready to represent Australia at Soke Cup in Japan
Sunshine Coast’s top karate talents, aged between nine to 52-years-old, will be aiming for podium finishes when they compete on the national stage at the Soke Cup in Japan. Meet the stars.
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Seventeen Sunshine Coast karate talents are set to compete against the world’s best at the Sōke Cup in Japan from August 11-13.
Husband and wife duo, Martin and Sandra Phillips, established Sunshine Coast Karate in 2000 after relocating from Newcastle.
They will now accompany 15 athletes to the Sōke Cup in Japan which is a tri-annual international tournament that brings together the top competitors from the member countries of the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation.
More than 300 competitors from countries including Japan, Canada, USA, Norway, Scotland and Ireland are expected to attend.
Athletes would compete in Kata (individual and team performance), Kumite (individual and team sparring), Kubjutsu (weapons performances).
Phillips said he was extremely proud of his students.
“We are incredibly proud of the effort that all team members have put in, just to earn a place on the team, regardless of their results.
“That said, this is definitely one of the strongest teams we’ve ever had and we will be very surprised if there are not multiple winners in their respective divisions,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Karate has been represented at every Sōke Cup since 2001, with podium finishes every time.
“I know that the team is well prepared and the results will take care of themselves,” he said.
“At this stage in the game, from a coaching perspective, we just want to see everyone execute their plan and do their best.
“We know that everyone on the team is capable of doing very well in their respective divisions, but we don’t want to put our expectations on athletes, we want them to travel their own path and find their own goals.”
Phillips said he wanted to thank the fundraising efforts from local businesses such as 10 Toes Brewery, Sneaky Baron, Cotton Tree Meats, Platinum Produce and The Creek Tavern that have helped financially support each member.
Meet the incredible athletes and read about their international aims
Sunshine Coast Karate Stars
Martin and Sandra Phillips (Coach)
Ages: 45 and 47
Karate rank: 5th Dan (Black Belt), Shihan (Master Instructor)
Years training: 39 and 32 years
Competitor History: Podium finishes at International Chito-Ryu Soke Cup in 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017. Winning gold in 1989 and 2017. Australian Representative at WKF World Championships 1994 and 1996. Podium finishes at International Chito-Ryu Soke Cup in 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017. Winning gold in 2004 and 2017.
Coaching History: Coach, with Sandra, at Soke Cup International tournaments, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019. Coach, with Martin, of International Karate Champions, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
“As a coach, I believe in these athletes and I see greatness in all of them. I also acknowledge that they already have all that they need within themselves to achieve anything they choose,” Sandra said.
“My role is simply to provide a path forward and guide them to greater self awareness (mind, body, emotion) so they too can see what I see in them and in turn ‘believe in themselves’.
“With these athletes believing in themselves, they will achieve their goals. Not just in this competition but with anything they desire to experience moving forward.”
Mahirah Khan
Age: 9
Karate rank: 7th kyu (Blue Belt)
Years training: 5 years
“I’m so lucky to have started with the Little Champs Karate classes when I was 4, attended my first Soke Cup at 5yrs old, and managed to get a couple of bronze medals,” she said.
“Karate is fun, sometimes challenging but I enjoy it with my family. I also love singing in my school choir.”
Mitchell Stringer
Age: 10
Karate rank: 6th kyu (Blue Belt)
Years training: 5 years
“I started karate when I was 5 and I love it. Not only is a good for my fitness but it is so much fun and have made lots of friends,” he said.
“My Sensei’s at Sunshine Coast Karate have taught me so much. They are so supportive and encouraging. I hope to do them proud.
“I’m excited to present Australia at the Soke Cop in Japan. It is my first time going to another country. Even better, I get to go with friends and do karate.
“Karate is awesome and one day I will be a black belt.”
Tim Probert
Age: 12
Karate rank: 2nd kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: 6 years
“I enjoy karate because of there is always something new to learn and new challenges,” he said.
“My best traits are that I am determined to do my best and I am willing to put in the hard work.”
Otis Pihema
Age: 12
Karate rank: 5th kyu (Purple Belt)
Years training: 4 years, 8 month
“I enjoy studying karate as it is fun, engaging and challenging, both mentally and physically,” he said.
Na‘ila Khan
Age: 13
Karate rank: 2nd kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: 5 years
“Love karate for the well rounded training and growth mindset I get at the dojo.
“At other times, I enjoy art and playing my flute,” she said.
Abi Robb
Age: 15
Belt grade: 1st kyu (Brown Belt)
Years trained: 7 years
“Starting karate has been the greatest thing I’ve ever done,” she said.
“Not only have I learned life skills from inspiring and caring mentors, I have made life long friendships and karate has felt like my second home.
“These last 7 years have been an amazing journey of commitment, dedication and growth, which I am eager to grow even more with the experience of attending my first Soke Cup.”
Abby Kerrison
Age: 15
Karate rank: 2nd kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: Almost 8 years
“I started karate at the young age of seven and I’m so grateful that I did,” she said.
“Karate hasn’t just helped with learning defence but has boosted my confidence and social skills over the years.
“Competing in Japan will put my years of training to the test and help me grow even more.”
Steven Phillips
Age: 15
Karate rank: 1st Kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: 9 years
“To me, karate, like other art forms, is a mural of expression that requires redefinition to refine your technique and character,” he said.
Flynn Jordan
Age: 16
Rank: 1st Kyu (Brown Belt)
Years Training: 8 years
“I started karate when I was eight and it has helped me grow as a person and understand myself more,” he said.
“I’m really excited to hep represent Australia at this years Soke Cup and show everything I’ve learnt.”
Sam Phillips
Age: 18
Karate rank: 2nd Dan (Black Belt)
Years training: 12 years
“I have grown up with karate all my life and it has really shaped me into the person that I am today,” she said.
“It has really helped me grow my confidence and leadership skills both inside and outside the dojo.
“I competed in my first Soke Cup in Japan in 2017 and then again in Canada in 2019, so I’m grateful to once again be a part of this amazing team as we move through the final stages in preparation before the tournament.”
Jacqui Lippey
Age: 19
Karate rank: 2nd Kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: 6 years
“I started karate quite late in comparison to many of the squad, but am so grateful to have spent most of my teenage years training in the amazing community that is our dojo and to our Senseis who’s hard work has shaped the lives of so many of us,” she said.
“I love karate for the constant challenge to grow, there‘s always more to learn, then unlearn, then relearn again.
“Outside of karate I enjoy drawing, reading and roping people into my completely calm and sensible schemes.”
Bailey Keefe
Age: 19
Karate rank: 2nd Dan (Black Belt)
Years training: 12 years
“Ever since starting I've just been obsessed with karate and it’s been an integral part of my daily life ever since.
“Starting as a very shy unconfident lazy little kid, the fact I’m going to be competing against the best students in the world is still so surreal.”
Selina Strazzari
Age: 25
Karate rank: 1st Dan (Black Belt)
Years training: 14 years
“I‘m a high school teacher who loves writing, science fiction, and building lego, just a big old’ nerd at heart,” she said.
“I started training because both my siblings trained and they enjoyed it.
“Doing karate all through my teen years has shaped me into the person I am today.
“I’ve met some truly amazing and inspiring people throughout this journey, and I’m proud to be going with them all to Japan to represent our country.”
Sam Hunt
Age: 25
Karate rank: 2nd Dan (Black Belt)
Years training: 10 years
“This will be my third Soke Cup after competing in 2017 (Japan) and 2019 (Canada),” he said.
“I look forward to competing in and spectating the highest level of competition, and befriending fellow karateka from around the world.
“Representing our Dojo, and Australia is a huge honour and privilege that I believe everyone on the Australian team feels.
“My goal for the competition is to place in the kobujutsu (weapons) black belt division.”
Brett McRae
Age: 52
Karate rank: 2nd kyu (Brown Belt)
Years training: 5.5 years
“I am dedicated and passionate about my karate training with only two more successful gradings to reach my goal of becoming a black belt,” he said.
“I am thrilled with the bonding experience I share with my son Bailey who also trains at Chito Ryu Karate.
“I am a chef and love making delicious meals for Meals on Wheels Maroochydore (Suncare), where I enjoy giving back to our community.”
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Originally published as Leading Sunshine Coast karate talents ready to represent Australia at Soke Cup in Japan
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