Gisborne Martial Arts Club members exceeded all expectations at the recent Victorian state championships.
Entering the event for the second time, the club won 16 state titles and a further 15 minor medals.
Club spokesman Mick Wilson said the results had come as a complete surprise.
The club is more than 10 years old, but its relocation to a permanent home two years ago boosted the number of athletes involved.
“It was a tremendous effort and the results were unexpected,” said Wilson of the event held last month.
“We expected them to go well and would have been happy with a repeat of the year before when we won six state titles.”
“The last two years, the club has gone from strength to strength. Every athlete excelled, including the ones who didn’t medal.”
Dominique Lopreti, Henry Wilson, Arky Ventouras, Nicole Pliatsiaris and Connor Hall won two state titles each, while Hannah Monk, Hamish Campbell, Brayden Cysani, Daniel Beinat, Dean Monk and Matt Campbell won a state title each.
The 11 winning athletes and all the club’s placegetters have qualified for the national championships being held in Melbourne later this month.
“Last year we had seven or eight athletes compete at the national championships,” Wilson said. “We had a couple of seconds and thirds.
“Hopefully, this year we can get our first national champion.”
Wilson paid tribute to club instructor Garry Boog.
“He has basically guided the club to where it is today.”
