National Championships 2026
Yoseikan-Ryu Shines at the 2026 National Karate Championships
The 2026 National Karate Championships in Hobart, Tasmania, were a tremendous success for Yoseikan-Ryu Karate, with our athletes producing outstanding performances, bringing home an impressive medal haul and, more importantly, demonstrating the true spirit of our club.
Over three days of competition, one thing stood out above everything else—the camaraderie, encouragement and sportsmanship shown by our athletes, coaches, referees and families. Every competitor had a team behind them, with teammates supporting one another through every victory and every setback. That sense of unity is something we are incredibly proud of and is a true reflection of the Yoseikan-Ryu culture.
While medals are always rewarding, karate is equally about learning, developing resilience and continually striving to improve. To those athletes who didn't achieve the results they were hoping for, remember that every competition is another step in your journey. With dedication, perseverance and consistent training, success will come.
Coaches and Officials
Our success would not be possible without the incredible commitment of our volunteer coaches and officials, who dedicate countless hours throughout the year preparing athletes for competition before spending long days supporting them on the competition floor.
A huge thank you to our coaching team:
Owen Blockley
Jessica Bratich Johnson
Nathan Blockley
We also acknowledge our referee:
Rebecca Bartlett
Your commitment to the sport and our athletes is invaluable.
Congratulations also to Karate Tasmania for hosting an exceptionally well-run National Championships. The professionalism of the event made for a fantastic experience for competitors from across Australia.Jayda Gledhill Delivers a Championship Moment
Jayda Gledhill Delivers a Championship Moment
One of the defining moments of the championships belonged to Jayda Gledhill, who continued her outstanding season by claiming the National Under 21 Kumite Championship (-55kg) before adding a bronze medal in the Senior Women's division.
Jayda also produced one of the most memorable performances of the weekend in the Women's Team Kumite Final.
With the contest locked at two drawn matches, everything came down to the final bout. After falling behind early, Jayda showed incredible composure under pressure, fighting her way back into the contest before landing a spectacular head kick to secure the winning score and help deliver the Women’s Team win for her side in a thrilling finish. It was a performance that showcased not only her exceptional technical ability but also her resilience, determination and ability to perform when the pressure was at its highest.
Adding to an already remarkable year, Jayda has also been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 World Cadet, Junior & U21 Karate Championships. The prestigious event will be held in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, from 14–18 October 2026, where the world's best young karate athletes will compete for international honours.
Representing your country at a World Championships is one of the highest achievements in karate, and Jayda's selection is a testament to the years of dedication, discipline and hard work she has invested in the sport. Everyone at Yoseikan-Ryu is incredibly proud of her achievements and looks forward to following her journey as she takes on the world's best later this year.
We wish Jayda every success as she prepares to wear the green and gold on the world stage and know she will represent both Australia and Yoseikan-Ryu with pride.
Medal Results
Gold 🥇
Ana Jovic – Kumite Girls Under 14 (-47kg)
Mitchell Durham – Kumite Men (-75kg)
Jayda Gledhill – Kumite Under 21 (-55kg)
Jayda Gledhill – Women's Team Kumite
Silver 🥈
Maddison Westaway – Kumite Girls Under 12 (-35kg)
Electra Watson, Rayyen Jaouadi & Afnan Jaouadi – Children's Team Kata
Aiden Ly – Kumite Boys Under 12 (-30kg)
Afnan Jaouadi – Kumite Girls Under 14 (-47kg)
Bronze 🥉
Commins, Commins & Ly – Children's Team Kata
Katherine Redmond – Kumite Cadet Girls (-54kg)
Flynn Mahony – Kumite Men's Under 21 (-75kg)
Jayda Gledhill – Kumite Senior Women (-55kg)
Beau Hooper – Kumite Boys Under 14 (-40kg)
Electra Watson – Kumite Girls Under 12 (-35kg)
Alexis Ly – Kumite Girls Under 14 (-42kg)
Rayyen Jaouadi – Kumite Boys Under 12 (-30kg)
Ana Jovic & Afnan Jaouadi – Girls Children's Team Kumite
Katherine Redmond – Female Cadet Team Kumite
Mitchell Durham & Flynn Mahony – Men's Team Kumite
Congratulations to every athlete who represented Yoseikan-Ryu at the National Championships. Every competitor who stepped onto the tatami represented our dojo with pride, respect and determination, and we couldn't be prouder of what was achieved both on and off the competition floor.
Finally, thank you to our coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and supporters. Your dedication is the backbone of our club and plays a vital role in every athlete's success.
The future of Yoseikan-Ryu Karate is in excellent hands, and after such a successful National Championships, we are excited for what lies ahead—especially as we prepare to support Jayda on her journey to the Junior World Karate Championships.