Karate pupil keen on return

At just 7 years old, Anna Leat has taken on some of Japan's top regional age group karate exponents.

While she did not win against all of them, the plucky Arrowtown karate kid is keen to go back for more.

Anna and her mother Jackie Leat travelled to Japan last month as part of an invitational New Zealand team to compete in a Japanese regional tournament in Fukuoka for children aged between 7 and 15.

Anna, the youngest on the 16-strong New Zealand squad, and the only one from the South Island had earned her place when she won her age division at the New Zealand Karate Open last year.

She also earned her passage over, having busked all summer to raise money for the trip.

The tournament held a few surprises. Japan's karate style was faster and more aggressive than in New Zealand, Mrs Leat said.

"The first couple of matches was a big surprise because they [the Japanese competitors] were all aiming for her head," Mrs Leat said.

"Here, children aren't allowed to take head shots until they are at least 10, so she didn't know how to defend her head . . . and she didn't have a protective helmet."

But Anna soon adapted and after borrowing additional safety gear did better than expected against the 57 competitors in her age group.

She made the third round, a feat only equalled by two other New Zealand team members.

While the karate style was much tougher than the pair were used to, both were amazed by the warm welcome they and the other New Zealanders received.

"Everyone was so friendly . . . The children went to a local school and were treated like movie stars," Mrs Leat said.

"Everyone stood and clapped when they walked into the classroom and when they were leaving there were children waving from the windows."

One of the biggest benefits of the tournament was experiencing a new culture and way of life.

"There is a lot we could learn from Japanese people in terms of how to live next to your neighbour. They were very humble and considerate of everyone around them," Mrs Leat said.

Anna wants to learn Japanese and hopes to have another opportunity to go back to the birthplace of her chosen sport soon.

Having been inspired by training sessions with Japanese karate world champions and hanging out with four-time kata world champion Atsuko Wakai, this trip could be just a taste.

from: www.odt.co.nz