2021 WKF Senior World Championships

Hello, my name is Mitchell Durham. I have been immersed in karate my whole life, having joined the same club my father trained at when he was a young boy. Yoseikan Ryu Karate has been my second home since 2004 and I love the culture that this club prides itself on; honesty, integrity and family. I have been a state representative for 13 years and a part of the Australian national team for 9 years. Since 2017 I have toured the world competing at the highest level in pursuit of becoming a world champion. Living overseas for months at a time training and competing, as well as spending good portions of the year interstate. Being extremely family-orientated, it is a tough yet necessary sacrifice to make in order to achieve this dream.

Having participated in two junior world championships (2015, 2017), placing 2nd at the 2018 World University Karate Championships, and then debuting later that year at the 24th Senior World Karate Championships, my World Championship run is well under way. At that competition in 2018 I made it to the 3rd round and faired well in a competitive performance against the number 1 ranked. I continued this momentum in 2019 attending many of the worlds benchmark competitions, placing 9th in one.

Of course COVID came around and put a stop to it all, postponing the 25th Senior World Karate Championships. This added a challenging element to keep spirits high and continue training to stay at a level where selection was still on the table. I was selected for the Olympic Qualification Tournament held in June this year, and I can say with confidence that I am in the best shape mentally and physically after that expedition. To be officially selected to represent Australia once again and have the opportunity to get back on track is indescribable and the highest honour.

Considering the current state of our country in relation to COVID, international travel has many restrictions and setbacks. The biggest being financial. I’m looking at a total of $16,000 round trip! Flights to Dubai at this point in time are pushing beyond the $12,000 mark, hotel costs in Dubai are $1,500 and then of course the mandatory quarantine cost of $2,500. A tour which usually would only be a couple of grand is now worth a new car.

I work part time, however training and teaching karate is my main priority as it is my future. If there is any amount of money that can be contributed to offset the total cost it would mean the world to me and I would greatly appreciate the support.