BALLARAT youngsters have impressed at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic martial arts and fitness expo.
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Nine martial artists from the Ballarat Kyokushin and Shinkyokushin dojos beat a collective 250-strong field, including competitors from Japan, China and New Zealand, to win medals in the inaugural event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Leading the charge were 15-year-old Thiilyaana Jones and Chelsie Pietzsch, 14, who finished first and second respectively in their pet event.
Jones trains under Ballarat Kyokushin sensei Steve Hardy, while Pietszch is a student of shihan Peter Volke at Ballarat Shinkyokushin.
Six other youngsters, along with 20-year-old Tyson Butler, also received medals.
Hardy said the results were indicative of the strength of the sport across the Ballarat region.
“Ballarat dominated the other groups totally,” Hardy said.
“It’s great to see that the two groups in Ballarat, Kyokushin and Shinkyokushin, can combine togother.
“It’s the first that’s happened in a long time and we’ll be building on this, because you don’t want to deprive them of the chance to develop together.”