Martial arts competition a real hit

The first Central Otago Martial Arts Championships was held in Cromwell this month with competitors taking part in more than 60 fights.

Organiser Kman Martial Arts owner Kman McEvoy, of Cromwell, said he wanted to connect martial arts clubs in Central Otago with an annual championship and had worked with Bruce Potter, of the Alexandra Karate Club, to stage the first event.

Mr McEvoy said the day was a huge success with students from 5 to 45 years old competing in more than 60 fights, including some in which parents and children competed together.

"We aim to attract more martial arts clubs from the region next year to make it a major annual martial arts event, to connect different styles of martial arts.

"It is amazing how the pressure of competition can bring out the best of the students, as many performed beyond their expectations."

While his club won seven of the 12 divisions anyone who got on the martial arts mat was a winner, he said.

"I am so proud of all the competitors from all the clubs, as they displayed a true martial arts spirit."

Next month the Kman Martial Arts club would stage the first Central Otago Judo Championships with clubs from Alexandra and Queenstown competing, with the intention of also making it a major annual event, Mr McEvoy said. 

— APL