24hr Hakarimata Track for Europe Karate Trip

On Saturday 24th May, our team is going to be completing 24 hours non-stop laps of the Hakarimata Summit Track to fundraise for an upcoming World Trip. Coach Barney will be taking Parish, Elemer and Eledon to Austria, Croatia and Jakarta to compete against some of the best in the World!

The Hakarimata Summit Track is a 4km return trip, with an elevation of 350m and almost 1500 stairs to the top. Barney is aiming for 20 laps, and the boys 15. Doing this non-stop for 24 hours is an extremely tough ask for 14-16 year olds. However, this is part of the boys training, developing mental toughness and the grit to push through when it's gets tough.

The meaning of Toatakai is "Warriors taking on the World". This challenge is a process for us to develop that warrior spirit, which we will take with us onto the mat overseas.

As Karate is a completely self-funded sport, we really appreciate any support! Please feel free to come and join us for a lap or ten on the day if you are in the Waikato!

Our trip begins late June in Salzburg at the Austrian Junior Open. From there the team heads directly to Poreč, Croatia, for a five day training camp with current and ex-world champions. The camp is followed by a World Karate Youth League, with the top players around the world competing for ranking points. The boys have a few more days in Europe, which we’ll spend training with our friends in Europe, before heading to Jakarta for the 4th Shureido Open competition and seminar.