By RUSSELL BENNETT
IT’S been a busy three months for Beaconsfield youngster Anthony Johnston.
There’s definitely more than meets the eye with this karate kid.
In early August he travelled to Perth for the 2014 National Karate Championships, soon after that he was presented his black belt after an intensive three hour grading, and since then he played for the Beaconsfield Junior Football Club in its Under-12 Division 2 South East Juniors grand final against local rivals Berwick.
This year provided somewhat of a shock to Anthony’s system on the karate competition front – guided by his own extremely high standards, he wasn’t able to achieve the ultimate success in major competitions.
But much of that was down to him fighting as an under-sized bottom-ager in the 12 to 13-year-old category.
Still, it was an invaluable learning experience for future tournaments. It’s clear he’s already motivated to come out firing.
“I’m going to smash them!” he said with a grin.
He still performed exceptionally well throughout the year – including a third placing at the 2014 Oceania Championships in Fiji last month – but he’s outspoken in his aim of achieving the ultimate glory on the big stage next year.
Anthony’s black belt is the culmination of the seven years of passion and hard work he has devoted to his craft.
The three-hour grading examined everything he’d learnt from his white belt all the way through to the black belt stage.
“Anthony’s loyalty and dedication shone through right from when he started – they’re just extraordinary,” said Ralph Martin from Berwick’s Ishinryu dojo, where the youngster is based.
On the football front, the hard-nosed midfielder won the most consistent trophy for his side and was in integral part of the Eagles line-up in a season in which he also had to juggle his karate commitments.
Anthony wanted to express his gratitude to all the senior instructors, fellow students and their families at the Berwick dojo for all their extended training, support and encouragement throughout the year to help him achieve his dreams.
“I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the coaches, team mates and their families from the Beaconsfield footy club for their understanding and support.
“I’d like also to express a special thank you to St Michael’s Primary School, to all my school friends and teachers for their commitment and continued support throughout my last year of my primary school.
“Last but not least, thank you to my family for their unwavering commitment and dedication.
“Without their determination and strong support throughout the year I could not have achieved my dream.
“It’s been an extraordinary year for my family – dad, mum and my brother Kristopher.”
