Tamworth karate academy boast three new world champs

The October long weekend witnessed representatives from 15 countries descend on the Gold Coast for the tournament, both juniors and seniors battling it out at the Southport Community Centre.

The Chaffey’s team returned with three new  world title holders, two of them belonging to Kristie Chaffey who swept the floor.

Kristie showed excellent composure and technique to take out the Kata Division, before turning the contact on to take out the 54-61kg Open Black Belt Kumite

Mark Follington then stepped up to take out the Veterans Brown Belt Kumite World Title against stiff opposition.

Scott Chaffey rarely returns from tournaments empty- handed and the long weekend was no exception, taking out the Open Black Belt Cruiser 73-82kg Kumite.

Husband and wife team Scott and Jane Cohen also enjoyed success at the tournament, taking home two medals each.

Jane took silver in both the Veterans Kata and Kumite, while Scott took bronze in the same events.

In a very strongly contested division, Ken Holgate placed third in the Lightweight Male Kumite, while Riley Leys, the youngest member of the team to place, came second in the 10-11yrs Brown Belt Kata and third in the Kumite.

Following the two days of competition, a formal dinner was held at the ballroom of the Hilton Hotel at Surfers Paradise. 

At the dinner Scott Chaffey was awarded a special trophy for the best Ippon technique of the tournament. 

An Ippon technique is an attack with powerful, controlled and well executed technique which automatically wins the match as the opponent is knocked down, stunned or mentally defeated. 

Chaffey was awarded two Ippons during fights on his way to the title.