Karate: Balcatta-based Gold Martial Arts awards first junior black belt

LANDSDALE karate competitor Christopher Pugliese is looking to develop his teaching skills in 2019, after he became the first junior black belt holder at his Balcatta club.

The 14-year-old was awarded the belt last month at Gold Martial Arts.

He started training with coach Mark Golding in Nollamara in 2011 – one of Golding’s first students.

Pugliese said the achievement was satisfying after many years of training.

“I enjoy the training, the friendships and the many valuable life lessons learnt including perseverance, hard work and dedication,” he said.

“The training has taught me to never give up and to keep pushing myself no matter what.

“My goals for 2019 include developing my teaching skills to assist with more classes as well as compete in the Western Australian Karate League competition events.”

He hoped to continue to focus on training and achieve his senior black belt in the future.