Rockhampton takes the ‘kamiza’ for 2022 Australian Karate Federation National Championships
Posted on July 21st, 2022
With a history tracing back some 1400 years, the popular martial arts discipline of Karate has its sights firmly set on the Beef Capital, with over 600 competitors from across the country ready to vie for the honour of being named this year’s champion.
Proudly hosted by Karate Queensland, the 2022 Australian Karate Federation National Championships will be held at the CQUni Community Sports Centre in Rockhampton from 5th – 7th August.
Dubbed as the biggest occasion on the Australian Karate calendar for the year, the event will welcome athletes from eight years of age through to 65 years of age, competing in Kata and Kumite and representing their respective states and will be a final selection tournament for Athletes vying to represent Australia at the World Karate Championships later this year in Turkey.
Operating since 1972 and celebrating their 50th year in 2022, the Australian Karate Federation is the national governing body of karate in Australia and is endorsed by the federal government, the Australian Olympic Committee, and the Australian Sports Commission.
Sitting underneath the national banner is Karate Queensland – the peak body for Karate in Queensland with 35 member schools/associations, training in over 70 dojo locations across the state with around 4500 active students.
Proud to see his hometown set to shine following the successful bid, long time karate parent and Taranganba local, Leith Dooley is looking forward to the event kicking off next month.
“This is the first time the Championships have been held in the area, so it is a great opportunity to showcase our destination to competitors and their families from across the nation,” Leith said.
“The last National Championships were last held in Tasmania in 2019, so competitors are ready and raring to get to Rockhampton and have the chance to compete again.”
“I have toured to every National Karate Championships and several World Championships with my kids since 2009, so I was please to help with the proposal to get the winning bid for Rockhampton,” Leith said.
“My wife, Leonie is also the Queensland team manager and Tournament Director for this years Nationals.”
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll congratulates Leith and Karate Queensland for their efforts in nominating and securing Rockhampton for the event in 2022.
“We are pleased to welcome this event, its competitors and families from all over Australia to our destination,” Mary said.
“Events are such important drivers of regional tourism, and we are fortunate to see an increased and diverse range of sports, such as Karate choosing to utilise our top-class regional facilities to host their significant events.”
“Often, attendees at these national events become destination advocates and for that reason, we encourage all participants and their families to explore and experience as much of the region as possible during their stay.”
Several competitors and their family members have already secured their accommodation in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast with many planning on extending their visit to further explore the nearby coastal villages, beaches, islands, and rainforests following the event.
For more information on the Australian Karate Federation National Championships, or to book a spectator seat, visit https://www.ticketebo.com.au/karate-queensland/48th-akf-national-karate-championships?fbclid=IwAR1XmNTuReGzQyptX7TQCrvcg-P2haGUArANzcYIWCIWsDSZNY445cFTXZI#
*Kamiza (Japanese) is the “top seat” within a room, meaning the seat of honour
