Simon breaks concrete blocks

Simon Buckley from Woy Woy has demonstrated how his eight years of karate training has prepared him to break concrete blocks.

The demonstration, held on Saturday, November 24, at Black Belt Karate Studios in Wyoming, was arranged to show the physical and mental power and control needed to be a black belt in karate.

Simon achieved his black belt in November last year after several years of successful competition, including a gold medal in the Newcastle Cup and being ranked third in New South Wales.

"Getting my black belt was a dream come true.

"After so much hard work, I was incredibly happy and emotional," Simon said.

His black belt status was confirmed by his instructors this month in a re-test that all Black Belt Karate Studios black belts must take to prove their on-going commitment to the principles of karate.

Simon had his first breaking experience at the karate school's Christmas party last year, where people were demonstrating breaking ice and there was one piece left over.

"They asked somebody to have a go and so I volunteered.

"I'd always wanted to do it, and finally my chance came," Simon explained.

Since then, Simon has continued breaking ice for demonstrations, but has also begun to break concrete blocks.

Last Saturday's demonstration had Simon breaking two blocks at a time with his elbow, and one with his hand.

He also kicked through some blocks of ice.

Some of the other black belts demonstrating the breaking techniques showed the level of their control by breaking concrete blocks that were placed on a person's abdomen, with that person suspended between two chairs.

Having first begun karate out of an interest in the ancient arts of self defence, Simon has now found what he calls a "really fulfilling pastime".

As a Leadership Team member, his goal is to become a full-time instructor and to compete for Australia on an international level.

The first step on the road to international competition may come next year.

Simon is training now in the hope that he may be able to compete in next year's New South Wales championships, which will be held in Liverpool in May, and to represent New South Wales at the Australian Championships in Sydney in August.

For more information, call Black Belt Karate Studios on 4328 1878.

Rebecca Fenton, November 27