The 2013 Junior Australian Championships was an overwhelming success. Held on the Gold Coast QLD at the Tallabudgerra Leisure Centre on the 7th & 8th of December. The Championships were run over 2 days with Qualifying bouts on Saturday 7th and Finals on Sunday 8th.
Kids from as far away as Perth, Cooktown, Central Victoria and Adelaide converged on the beautiful Gold Coast too be a part of the Championships. The added bonus of this year was that all winners of their divisions would automatically qualify to represent Australia at the IFMA world championships in Langkawi, Malayasia May 1st-10th 2014.
There were124 competitors (94 Boys, 30 Girls), which made for a very full venue and great atmosphere, with 30 weight divisions that were contested, all bouts were fully padded and contested using the following guidelines:
10-11yrs (kids) 2X1 min rnds – no head contact
12-14yrs (cadets) 3X1.5min rnds-no head contact
15-17yrs (Juniors) 3X2min rnds FTR
The kids displayed outstanding muaythai technique and the capacity crowd appreciated the traditional wai kru performances which were outstandingly executed showing that the heritage of muaythai is certainly safe in the hands of Australia’s youth.
Also over the 2 day tournament several new R&J were given the opportunity to try their hand at both Referee and judge duties, gaining some valuable experience.
The dates for next year’s event are yet to be confirmed but details will be sorted out as soon as possible, so that everyone can start preparing for it and raising funds for kids to get there.
Visit www.muaythaiaustralia.org for further details!
