Karate kids are worldclass

Glen Atwell
PAKENHAM karate kids Trishalee Keyes and Joseph Byrnes have capped off a stellar year of karate success, receiving medals at the recent World Karate Championships in Netherlands.
Trishalee, 14, finished second in the under15, under160 centimetre category, while Joseph, 12, took home bronze for his efforts in the under13, under155 centimetre event.
The fistflyers from the Goju Kai Karate club in Pakenham travelled to the Netherlands with their sensei Noel McBride, who was extremely proud of their efforts.
“They have both done really well, to have two students from the club competing at the world championships is a thrill,” he said.
Joseph said he didn’t mind the 22hour flight to the Netherlands and found a way to practice in the aisle.
“I was up stretching and moving around for a lot of the time,” he said.
Trishalee said the competition was tough in Rotterdam, where the event was held.
“The final was probably the best fight I’ve ever had, but my opponent had great kicks and kicks are worth more points than punches,” she said.
Both now have their sights set on the AsiaPacific Championships in two years and are already looking forward to the next World Karate Championships to be held in South Africa in 2009.
“I love competing and really enjoy all things karate,” Joseph declared.