A relatively inexperienced Wanganui Kyokushin Karate team has returned home from the 50th New Zealand Kyokushin Karate Championships in Hastings with two titles and a silver medal.
For most in the 10-strong squad it was their first foray on to the national mat, but Kelly Mallet, young Jake Hood and Kolby Sullivan were up for the challenge.
![Wanganui fighters Kelly Mallet, left, Chris Sheahon and Jake Hood return home winners from the 50th New Zealand Kyokushin Karate Championships in Hastings at the weekend.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2DYGVCMQFISIFOP2DZUL7SDDTI.jpg?auth=6827571ac2cf1392d5898c6df201dd68eaf2dde7bd8e8697fa47913629b3debc&width=16&height=10&quality=70&smart=true)
Mallet won the senior novice women title, Hood the heavyweight colts (16-17yr) division and Sullivan was runner-up in the junior (U50kg) boys section.
"Kelly showed a lot of grit to come back late in both her fights, keeping things simple and showing good spirit to take the title," Wanganui coach Richard Hood said.