Rocco Fowler and Benjamin Quinn have been selected to represent WA at the national karate championships in Sydney.
Camera IconRocco Fowler and Benjamin Quinn have been selected to represent WA at the national karate championships in Sydney. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d471691

Nollamara-based karate kids off to national titles in NSW

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

ABOUT seven years of training has paid off for two Nollamara-based karate stars, who will don the WA gi at the Australian Karate Federation National Championships in August.

Beechboro resident Benjamin Quinn (11) earned his second state selection, while Tuart Hill resident Rocco Fowler (10) will make his debut for WA.

Their selection came on the back of successful results at the WA Karate League (WAKL) events over the past two years.

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Kumite specialist Benjamin was runner-up at the Perth Open and Shobukan Open and third at the state championships for the 11 years-plus 38kg division.

Rocco won the Perth Open, Senshinkan Open and state championships before placing third at the Shobukan Open for the 10 to 11 years kata discipline.

Benjamin said he was honoured to join the state team, which featured many senior athletes.

“It makes me want to challenge them,” he said.

“I love karate because I like learning the techniques, getting self-defence (skills) and making friends.”

Rocco said he was nervous ahead of his first nationals, where he hoped to perform strongly for WA.

Shobukan head instructor Mark Golding said five athletes were selected, but only Benjamin and Rocco would compete.

“They train three times a week,” he said.

“Now that karate is an Olympic sport… they certainly will set their sights on future Olympics.”

Golding said after nationals, the duo would focus on the last WAKL event for 2017 in September.

The pair will fly off to Sydney on August 2 for the national championships, which will be held from August 4 to 6.

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