Martial Arts return to Kavieng as Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Cup convenes

Taekwondo and Karate athletes across New Ireland Province converged in Kavieng on Saturday, October 17th, as the Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Mixed Martial Arts Cup makes its comeback with the completion of day one of the three-day championships at the Catholic Conference Centre.

The tournament brought together twelve martial arts clubs from across the province, providing male and female competitors an opportunity to test their skills, demonstrate discipline, and compete for honors in the two codes.

Tournament Director, Severious Neki, says the cup tournament returns after a ten-year hiatus, thanks to the support of Governor Byron Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Administration. 

Neki said the tournament forms the basis of a talent identification program where the best will be picked to form a provincial team to take part in the Karate Nationals in Lae next month (November) and the Taekwondo Korean Ambassadors Cup in Port Moresby.

"We are honored to have chief instructors from the PNG Karate Federation in the likes of Vice President Sensei Roy Stanley, Sensei Abel Mekere, and team from Port Moresby, along with fellow Taekwondo professionals here with us,” Neki said. 

"Martial arts isn't just a sport of defense and combat. Martial arts resonate with mental control, self-discipline, respect, and humility - values we want to encourage among the youth of today.”

The championships began with the grading category for both codes before going into the Karate Kata tournament in a show of pattern and sequence.

New Ireland Governor Byron Chan took time to be part of the program - he himself, who is a sensei with affiliation and representation for international martial arts organizations around the world. Governor Chan said taekwondo and karate are more than just martial arts.

"They are disciplines that build character, instil respect, promote self-control and develop confidence among our young people,” Honorable Chan said. 

“These values are important to New Ireland’s development aspirations because our future depends not only on economic growth and infrastructure but also on raising a generation of disciplined, responsible, and healthy citizens who can contribute positively to their communities.

“The New Ireland Provincial Government supports the revival of the Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Mixed Martial Arts Cup because we recognize the role sport plays in youth development, community engagement, and the preservation of positive values. 

“By investing in coaching, strengthening local clubs, and creating opportunities for our athletes to compete, we are helping our young people discover their potential and develop skills that will serve them both inside and outside the sporting arena.” 

He said the Chan-Kolivos Government's vision is to see Taekwondo and Karate grow across the province, with stronger clubs, qualified instructors, and a clear pathway for local athletes to compete at national and international levels, including the Pacific Games. 

“This is consistent with our broader development aspirations for a stronger, healthier, and more empowered New Ireland, where young people are given opportunities to participate, develop their talents, and play a meaningful role in building the future of our province,” Governor Chan added. 

Meanwhile, the three-day tournament will feature Karate kata - patterns, Karate kumite - fighting, Taekwondo poomsae - patterns, and finishing off on Monday (October 19th) with Taekwondo kyrugi - fighting.

Tournament instructors and rising martial artists, Steven Tommy from New Ireland and Vespa John from Kairuku, were with the clubs last week, preparing for the tournament, running drills, and holding coaching sessions.

John commended the Governor's support for martial arts and the time taken to be part of the martial arts community in reviving what once was an annual cup tournament in Kavieng.