Serina Bogers traveled to Sydney to compete in the 40th Australian Kyokushin Karate National Tournament last weekend, securing first in the non-contact yellow belt division as well as a third place in the full-contact heavyweight class of the sport. Warrnambool Kyokushin Karate instructor Natalie Jorgensen said Bogers fought each fight with “courage and determination”.

Jorgensen said while Bogers initially thought she had a bye prior to the, there was a mix-up in the draw which left her with just five minutes to warm up for her first full-contact match.

“Serina fought a courageous fight (in the semi-final) against a much larger opponent. Her opponent’s weight advantage was challenging, but her determination to stay in the fight was extremely commendable,” Jorgensen said.