Sport
12 June, 2026
City to host Open Border Challenge
WARRNAMBOOL Kyokushin Karate Club will next month host the Knights Refrigeration Warrnambool Open Border Challenge.
The event, a major regional martial arts tournament which brings together competitors, families and supporters from across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, will be held on Saturday, July 4 at St Pius School Hall (Morris Road) from 10am.
For more than a decade, the club’s sister dojo, Portland Kyokushin Karate Club, has successfully hosted the Portland Open Border Challenge which attracts competitors from throughout south-eastern Australia.
Due to growing participation and interest, the event will now alternate between Portland and Warrnambool, with Warrnambool set to host the event next month.
According to Sensei Natalie Jorgensen, dojo operator with the Warrnambool Kyokushin Karate Club, the event will attract competitors from across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
“The Open Border Challenge has become an important event on the regional karate calendar, and bringing it to Warrnambool is an exciting next step,” she said.
Founded in 2013, Warrnambool Kyokushin Karate Club has built a strong reputation for developing disciplined, respectful and community-minded martial artists.
The club focuses on helping students of all ages build confidence, resilience and leadership through Kyokushin Karate.
Kyokushin Karate, originating in Japan, means ‘the ultimate truth’ and is practised by more than 15 million people worldwide.
A special feature of the event will be the official attendance of Hanshi Gary Viccars, branch chief of the organisation and one of Australia’s most respected senior Kyokushin Karate instructors.
His attendance highlights the importance of the event within the broader Kyokushin community.
The event will feature four structured divisions.
Kickstart is an introductory category for beginners and younger students focusing on participation, confidence and basic skill development;
Non-contact is a technical division where competitors are judged on speed, timing, control and technique without physical contact;
Colts (padded) is a transitional division using protective equipment, allowing controlled contact while developing ring experience and safety awareness;
Full contact division is the highest level of Kyokushin competition featuring controlled full-power striking under Kyokushin rules, testing endurance, discipline and spirit.
The event also provides competitors with the opportunity to build friendships and connections across the Australian Kyokushin community.
Funds raised support athletes attending seminars, training camps and competitions across Australia and overseas.
“This event reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for students to challenge themselves, develop confidence and connect with the wider Kyokushin community,” Sensei Jorgensen said.
“We are honoured to welcome Hanshi Gary Viccars to Warrnambool for this inaugural tournament. His attendance reflects the importance of the event and provides encouragement to all competitors and officials.
“We look forward to welcoming athletes, families and visitors from across the region and showcasing both the spirit of Kyokushin Karate and the strength of our local community.”
