Martial arts come to Liverpool this weekend for an international championship that will see new world champions crowned.
Egypt and Mongolia head the 11 countries joining Australia to compete in the Martial Arts World Cup at Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool from Friday October 20-22.
The others are America, United Kingdom, Fiji, India, New Zealand, Nepal, Greece, Canada and Singapore.
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun welcomed the championships, saying they linked to the local community’s love of sports.
“Liverpool is the ideal place for these championships,” he said. “Sport plays an important role in our society because of its emphasis on self-discipline, sportsmanship and self respect..
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a competitor or a spectator, these championships have something for everyone.”
Paul Zadro, chairman of the International Sport Karate Association which is hosting the championships, said they promised world class competition and thrills.
“Be prepared to see the best martial arts athletes competing in one place,” he said. “It’s the biggest martial arts tournament ever held in Australia.”
The championships have drawn 1350 entries ranging from children through to the elite black belt division. There will be 17 disciplines on display, including Showmanship, Weaponry and Fighting and including Point, Full Contact and Jiu Jitsu.
Mr Zadro said the tournament will have 14 mats running for three days as competitors push to stay in the race for a title.
The finals in the 17 disciplines on Sunday night will determine the world’s overall number one club and the individual champions.
