Sensei Gareth Hird from the Goju Karate Academy Parkrand took top honours during the 10th WUKF World Championships, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Competition during the three-day event saw 1 400 competitors showcasing their skills and discipline on the mats, with only the best of the best stepping onto the podium. A total of 56 national federations, representing 38 countries, attended the event.
Competing in three divisions, senior all styles kata, senior Goju-Ryu kata and Kobudo (long weapons), Hird enjoyed podium finishes in two divisions, claiming gold in Kobudo.
He won silver for kata.
“In the senior all styles division I successfully made it through to the top 18 but missed out on placing within the top six,” said Hird.
“Overall I was happy with my performance and the high level of competition that was on display.”
Despite his quirky nature, Hird remains humble about his achievements saying that the competition has given him great insight into the international standard that the Goju-Ryu style is enjoying.
Hird has been actively competing in the style for the past 13 years under the guidance of Sensei Tarryn and Marius Madgwick.
“From a sporting perspective, the experience was out-of-this-world and being able to witness and participate in traditional American July 4 celebrations sealed the trip,” he said.
“I am excited to share the new techniques that were introduced at the various style seminars with my fellow karatekas as 15 of us prepare to attend the World Goju-Ryu Federations Championships in Italy during September.”
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