Glennen won first place in the 12-14 years state versus state kumite competition at the Funakoshi Karate Australian titles on the Gold Coast on the weekend.

Glennen said he had been doing karate for eight years.

“I love meeting new people when we go away to compete,” he said. “Doing karate has really helped my fitness.”

Glennen competed at the titles as part of the Funakoshi Karate Australia tournament squad, made up of members from Warrnambool, Terang and Camperdown. High finishes for other squad members at the titles included: Tobi Cole, Jill Cole, Brian Peach - third black belt team kata. Jill Cole - third veterans black belt kata; Jill Cole - second state versus state kumite. Jill Cole - second lightweight under 55kg points sparring; Tobi Cole - second 15-17 state versus state kumite; Will Kemp - third senior advanced state versus state kumite; Katrina Conroy - second 15-17 state versus state, third 15-17 continuous sparring.