Drysdale martial arts star Samuel Shields is the first Australian to win an international event in the Matsushima Kyokushin Organisation.
The 22-year-old won the open middleweight title in Myanmar at the Asian Pacific Kyokushin Karate Championships.
Wearing no protective equipment other than a mouthguard and groin protector, Shields disposed of three international opponents, but sustained an injury to his favoured right leg.
However Shields went on to beat his Chinese opponent to take out the title.
Shields began his journey with Bellarine Kyokushin at the age of six and now operates Clifton Spring Dojo.
“My parents put me into Kyokushin karate because I was a really shy and nervous kid to get my confidence up,” Shields said.
“Kyokushin karate is the best thing I have ever done, giving me more confidence in myself and creating friendships with many different people along the way.
“I love being able to pass on what I have learnt to others who want to learn karate.”
