Fifty competitors from five different clubs hit the mats at Young’s PCYC on Sunday, attracting the attention of an estimated 100 spectators from Young and beyond.

Sportsmanship was on show as competitors as young as six years old took to the floor to hold their own against members of other clubs from Cowra, Cootamundra and Orange.

According to Tai the standout competitor from the younger generation was Young’s Susie Tuckfield (10) of MDMMA Young who showed plenty of determination throughout the day.

“Susie is probably not as well rounded as  some of her fellow club teammates, however what she lacks in natural abilities she more than makes up for it in effort every time she steps on the floor,” Tai said.

“She’s definitely a very important and valued member of MDMMA Young.” 

In the seniors division there were two standout matches of the day, the first between MDMMA Young’s Malakai Seuao and Nicole Tarbert of Kyumiai Ryu Orange - both established black belts - in the freestyle sparring.

“It was the last match of the day and  two of the best competitors  from their respective clubs,” Tai said.

The second was between KRMAS Amanda Langmand and KRMAS Amanda Cass.

“This was a classic case of young novice and seasoned competitor comnpeting against one another,” Tai said.

“But ultimately working for the greater good of growing martial arts in our region.”

Malakai went on to take a clean sweep in the points sparring and freestyle sparring, while his mum Natasha did the same in her divisions - an effort Tai claims “wasn’t bad for an old person”.

But for Tai the best part of the day was seeing all five clubs come together to form Young’s first tournament of its kind.

“Considering it was a pretty bleak and miserable day the response from the general public was really positive and there were lots of people that turned up,” he said.

“We’re hoping to host another event next term, definitely.

“With the strong response and the strong support from the locals, definitely.”

Organisers extended their appreciation to the PCYC for hosting the event, and to members of other clubs who played their part in the organisation in the lead-up to Sunday.

“A big thank you goes out PCYC Young manager Martin Langfield and his team, and to the officials from Kumiai Ryu Cootamundra and Cowra,” Tai said.

“Shidoin David Simpson and Sensei Andrew Finch for attending and helping out with the officiating and judging.

“Also a very big thank you to Kumiai Ryu Young Instructor Shidoshi Nathan Lynch for helping organise the event, and to Sensei David Craigie of Kyokushin Young.

“Without their support none of this would've been made possible.”

Results from Sunday’s tournament to appear in Friday’s edition of The Witness.