Thursday, October 4, 2007

Japanese Grandmaster For National Karate Team


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The national karate kata team will get a chance to train under a world-class karate coach in their preparation for the 24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand, on Dec 6-15.

National coach Patrick Lim said he was inviting karate grandmaster Yoshimi Inoue, 61, a former coach of the Japanese national team, to Penang in November to share his experience with them and guide them.

The national kata squad is currently training at the National Training Centre in Argyll Road, Penang.

"Inoue is a very experienced coach to help our national team in preparing for Korat. His advice is important as he is a world-class coach and has trained more than 15 world champions from a variety of karate styles," he told Bernama today.

Led by seasoned campaigner Ku Jin Keat and Lim Lee Lee, the national kata exponents are aiming for two golds in the individual events.

Lim said they were hoping to maintain the result of two golds, one silver and one bronze attained in the Manila SEA Games.

"Our main threats come from Vietnam and Indonesia as they are sending their world-class karate athletes to deliver them the gold. Vietnam will send their women's world championship runner-up.

"Our last competition before Korat will be the Asian Invitation in Sabah on Nov 22," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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