Karate tournament impress Redbank

JUST under 200 competitors attended the Australian Karate Super League Tournament at Redbank Sports Complex on Sunday, July 4.

The competitors came from all over Queensland, with some from interstate and even members of the Iran national team.

Age categories ranged from under-7 to the open over-18s and over-40s.

The semi final of the open men's kumite (fighting) division saw Kandjani go down to Sunshine Coast's Brendan Hancock.

The final was a thrilling showdown between national champions Lewis Butterfield (Gold Coast) and Hancock.

Being an open division, Hancock, the heavier and more experienced fighter scored several times, even knocking Butterfield to the mat, taking first place.

The next AKSL tournament is planned to take place on Sunday, November 21.

This time world champions Luca Valdesi (Italy), George Tzanos (Greece) and Davide Benetello (Italy) will be competing against the best in Australia.