Why Competition Matters!

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Competition in Japan

Why Competition Matters: Building Resilience in kids!

The Role of Competition in Success

Building resilience in kids is more than just teaching them how to bounce back from setbacks; it’s about helping them understand the ingredients needed for success. Coaches and mentors often emphasise that failure isn’t the end but a stepping stone towards future achievements. Children learn vital values such as commitment, unselfishness, persistence, humility, and respect through their training. But there’s another crucial lesson that’s equally important: life is competitive, and embracing this reality can be a powerful motivator.

The Importance of Facing Competition

When kids face defeat in competition, they get a firsthand lesson in the hard work required to achieve success. While losing can be tough and disappointing, it also serves as a valuable experience. It teaches them that the sweetness of success comes from dedication and effort. Cultivating self-esteem in children involves more than just telling them they’re great; it’s about showing them that working hard and learning from losses are essential parts of their growth.

Rather than shielding kids from competition and its inevitable heartaches, we should help them navigate these experiences gracefully. By learning how to handle defeat with dignity, kids can benefit from failure and eventually see competition as a gift—a chance to grow and improve.

Healthy Competition at Karate Academy Sydney

At Karate Academy Sydney, we believe in the value of healthy competition. What does this mean? It means creating an environment where kids and adults can explore their own capabilities and improve through constructive challenges. Our junior classes are designed to offer routine and repetition in a fun, supportive setting, allowing children to build the skills they need to progress in their karate journey.

We’re committed to making a positive impact on every student’s life. For this to happen, it’s essential for parents, instructors, and senior students to work together closely. Encourage your child to attend every class and be an active participant in their training. It’s normal for kids to explore various activities and test their limits; this is part of their development. Our role is to teach them that while giving up is easy, perseverance and effort are what lead to success.

By embracing the challenges of competition, kids learn the importance of dedication and self-discipline, which are crucial for achieving their goals.

Let’s work together to help our kids build resilience and embrace the lessons that competition has to offer. Together, we can support them in their journey towards success.

Looking forward to seeing you at the dojo!

— Jess Sensei

accomplishments

Chris Vetrisano

Sensei- Instructor 

  • 3rd Dan Black Belt Goju Ryu Seiwakai
  • 3rd Dan Black Belt JKF Goju Kai (All Japan Karate Federation)
  • 3rd Dan Black Belt Ryukyu Shimbukan Kobudo
  • Senior First Aid
  • WWCC

At the young age of 6, Chris embarked on his karate journey in 2007 under the expert tutelage of Pat Drago Shihan, specialising in Goju-Ryu. He honed his skills early on, participating in numerous Koshiki tournaments across locations such as Barrel and Picton.

In 2013, Chris embraced new challenges by joining Seiwakai under Glenn Stephenson Shihan, advancing through inter-club tournaments and gaining valuable competitive experience. His progression through the Dan ranks was guided by Jessica Vetrisano Sensei, whose mentorship has been pivotal in shaping him into the accomplished karateka he is today.

He has competed at the highest levels, qualifying for the JKF (Japanese Karate Federation) World Tournament held in Osaka (2023), Okinawa (2024), and placing top 8 in Sendai (2025)—marks of his elite skill and relentless pursuit of excellence.

In addition to Goju Ryu Karate, Chris has immersed himself in Ryukyu Shimbukan Kobudo under the mentorship of Hiroshi Akamine Kaicho and Dell Hamby Kyoshi, enriching his understanding of traditional Okinawan martial arts.

This year, Chris proudly joined the NSW Karate State Team and competed at the 2025 Karate Australia National Championships in Adelaide, South Australia, where he claimed 3rd place—a remarkable achievement on the national stage.

As a proud member of Karate Australia (the Australian Karate Federation), Chris continues to embody the spirit of the martial art—dedicated, growing, and inspiring.

            

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The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants- Gichin Funokoshi

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