More than 200 people attended the event, bringing a fantastic atmosphere and many talented competitors.

The week-long event was run by JKA Australia and New Zealand chief instructor Takahashi Shihan.

The karetaka attending were lucky enough to be joined by Victorian senior instructor Nishimura Shihan who hosts many gasshuku's (karate training camps) around Australia.

He is well known Australia wide for his demanding training seminars.

Two senior sensei's also travelled from Japan to attend the championships, Masaru Kamino Sensei, 7th Dan JKA from Fukuoka City and Ichiro Yamaguchi Sensei, shihan of the Jisei-Jyuku Karate Dojos in Fukuoka.

They brought with them young Japanese karate students.

The championships began on Monday with three days of intensive training, where Whyalla dojo members learned many new skills.

Friday saw all karetaka attend the opening ceremony, in which Minister for Sport Bob Kucera took part.

The ceremony was followed by the colour belt competitions and black belt elimination rounds, in which the Whyalla dojo members succeeded in bringing home medals.

Taylor Carlson of Whyalla dojo won a bronze medallion in the 3rd-1st kyu junior girls kumite (sparring), and was also awarded the Most Spirited Junior Trophy.

Sarah Tidswell competed in the Women's 6th-4th kyu events, winning silver in kata and gold in kumite (sparring).

Whyalla karetaka would like to thank Whyalla City Council for its support.

Anyone interested in joining karate should attend the training sessions at Whyalla High School on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7pm.