Nollamara father-son karate duo win gold

A FATHER-son karate duo from Nollamara have set their sights on obtaining black belts after winning gold medals at the same competition last month.

Lester Maru John (40) and his oldest son Hayden (8) won gold at the WAKL Senshinkan Open in March.

They have been training under chief instructor Mark Golding at Gold Martial Arts in Balcatta for five years.

Lester started karate in Malaysia as an eight year old and trained for four years before making a comeback to the sport as an adult.

He previously won a silver medal for WA in the veterans category at last year’s national championships.

Hayden, who won his first gold medal in the male developing 9 years category, said he was proud when he and his dad won gold.

His win added to two gold medals and one silver in the male developing 8 category last year.

Lester, who started karate in Malaysia when he was eight, said his son was very disciplined and worked very hard at training.

“We train together at Gold Martial Arts on Wednesday and Fridays in the specialised sports karate program,” he said.

“I am so glad that both of my sons and I share the same interest in karate.

“Hayden has taken on the responsibility of helping his little brother Isaac with his training.

“It has allowed us to spend a lot of quality time together and I have found, our relationship has strengthened during this time.”

Lester aimed to achieve a good result at this month’s state championships, gain selection for this year’s national championships and achieve his senior black belt.

Hayden’s goal was to gain his junior black belt and be selected in the state team for next year’s national championships.

The duo thanked Golding and the club for their support.