Harden Karate Kids Shine on the Big Stage in Maroubra

Harden’s local karate champions, Isla and Peter, put their formidable skills to the test, proudly representing their community at the MKA Australian Open Kyokushin Championships in Maroubra.

The competition saw Isla and Peter, students of Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin Karate Australia – Harden Dojo, demonstrate their determination and spirit on the large Sydney stage.

Peter’s Gritty Performance

karate — *Photo Credit:* *Mas Oyama’s Kyokushin Karate Australia – Harden Dojo/ Facebook*

Peter faced a challenging path in his division at the championships. His instructor, Sean, noted Peter came fourth after two consecutive fights that happened within just a minute of each other.

Despite the swift and demanding schedule, Peter showed true Kyokushin spirit, particularly when he was matched against a more experienced junior green belt. He gave his all, undeterred by the difference in grading, earning praise for his resilience and commitment.

Isla’s Double Challenge

Isla tackled a busy tournament schedule, competing in both non-contact and contact divisions. In her contact division, she secured an impressive second-place finish.

While she narrowly missed out on a placing in her non-contact division, another report highlighted her success in this category, stating she placed second in a non-contact division and first in a padded contact division, showcasing her versatility and skill across different styles of competition. Her ability to compete effectively in both formats underscored her dedication to the sport.

Dojo’s Pride and Future Endeavours

Instructor Sean expressed immense pride in both competitors, commending their determination, sportsmanship, and resilience throughout the championships. He highlighted their “amazing effort” in reaching such a significant event in Sydney. The Harden Dojo stated it could not be prouder of Isla and Peter. The young martial artists will not have long to rest on their achievements, as both are set to return to Sydney to compete in another major tournament in just two weeks, ready to represent their community with honour once again.

Published Date 09-September-2025