By RUSSELL BENNETT
A YEAR after the Gazette first checked in with Beaconsfield karate kid Anthony Johnston, he is still showing his class at a national level.
Anthony took home a gold medal from the Australian Karate Federation (AKF) National Karate Championships held in Tasmania recently and, at just 11-years-old, is hell-bent on winning plenty more.
In claiming gold in the Kumite discipline, Anthony – from St Michael’s Primary School – got sweet revenge on the opponent who defeated him in last year’s nationals.
He competed in a division with more than 10 other competitors in it, and won all three of his match ups.
Anthony admitted to not wanting to think about the tournament too much in the lead-in because doing so would make him feel sick, but he was well prepared – thanks in large part to Sensei Nerida Field, his coach at his home dojo – Berwick’s Ishinryu.
The national tournament, which ran from a Friday to Sunday, featured Kata, Kumite and teams events.
Though Anthony’s first fight wasn’t until late on Friday, he got to the Hobart venue early just to cheer on his team mates.
He has become known for his team-first mentality and work ethic, which he hopes will see him bring home another gold next year when, as a 12-year-old, he’ll be fighting in the same weight division as competitors who are a year older than him.
Anthony trains at Berwick’s Ishinryu three to four times per week, busily perfecting his craft.
He will go for his black belt in July, and needs at least 100 hours of training to his name, with teaching also part of the curriculum.
He needs to know all the different compositions of each belt he has attained, and demonstrate that in his testing.
Anthony needs to be on top of his game, both mentally and physically, but his love of karate has also helped in other facets of his life – including his schoolwork, which must seem relatively simple by comparison.
“He knows all the moves, he knows what to do,” said mum Anna.
“It’s just about teaching him the mental side.
“It’s about focussing on the opponent and reacting quickly and it’s also about understanding his body and breathing – they’ve been teaching him that a lot.”
Anthony needs to maintain a strict physical training regime and also maintain a constant diet.
His goal is to retain his high national ranking for two, three, even four years in a row.
Anthony credits Sensei Field for imparting on to him her wealth of knowledge.
“He just knew when the next kick or punch was coming (in the nationals),” Anna said.
“Nerida taught Anthony how his opponent moved, and what he had to do.”
Anthony’s next big tournaments include the Victorian state titles in February, and the Australian Open next April.
With Victoria one of the strongest karate states in the country, Anthony is confident a good result in the state titles will lead to further success on the national stage once again. With Sensei Field by his side, the sky is the limit.
