The most striking thing about this tournament was the lack of competitors. Initially scheduled as a 3 day event, I expected a turnout similar to the annual Pan Pacific competitions (800+). Melbourne Open didn't even get to 200! What's going on?
Speaking to some of the competitors and coaches in attendance, they cited the fact that Pan Pacs was just held (people have other commitments), the competition was not well marketed, and that people were hesitant to compete at a new competition.
There were some great matches on the day, including the brown and black belt divisions, and the women's blue belt open. Here are some photos and news from our team trip:
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| Gracie Oceania New Zealand's Joy Crowley fought her way to a gold medal and well-earned blue belt |
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| I shared my pre-comp ritual of bright and unusual pedicures with the girls team... |
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...which seems to have worked - gold medals and smiles!
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| Post-comp, Shizuka Sugiyama headed straight for the macaroons after dieting hard to make weight |
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| The team caught up at Ground Zero in Melbourne CBD for a roll the next day before watching UFC |
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