Tai Linnell is already dominating his age group.
Camera IconTai Linnell is already dominating his age group. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Karate: Ballajura boy’s talent is hard to deny

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

BALLAJURA karate junior Tai Linnell, who won six gold medals just 10 months after starting the sport, dreams of representing Australia at the Olympics and Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) World Cup.

The seven-year-old won two gold medals in kata and kumite for his age group at the GKR Karate Australian National Championships in Sydney last month.

His national wins came after winning two gold medals at both the state and regional championships.

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Tai said a City of Swan grant helped him and his father, Darrell, travel to Sydney.

“I wish to thank the City very much, as the donation helped me and my dad in getting to the national tournament,” he said.

Darrell said Tai had natural talent.

“Even when he was in Year 1, he won the champion boy in sports,” he said.

“He is extremely competitive and he absolutely enjoys competing but with the gold (medals), it did surprise me a bit.

“He has never done something like karate before except for watching the Power Rangers on TV.”

Darrell said Tai trained three to four nights a week at dojos in Ellenbrook, Duncraig, Ballajura and Wanneroo.

“He enjoys it and he has made a lot of friends in a short period of time,” he said,

“He trains with his age group and the next class, so there could be adults there as well.

“Occasionally, he would fight, spar and practise with brown belts.

“He is very observant and very quick at working other people out.”

Darrell said Tai was looking to add to his medal tally at state and regional competitions in 2018.

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