Pouya Salehi might have been born and bred in Iran, but the 35 year old exponent of Kyokushin Karate now lives in West Footscray and kicks for Australia.
Salehi recently helped his adopted home retain the prestigious International Cup team event, by defeating Kaito Yoshioka of Japan.
It’s the latest in a long list of accolades of Salehi, who was a 12 time Iranian national karate champion, a two time world championship bronze medalist and in 2011 completed the gruelling 100-man kumite.
“An extreme physical and mental challenge involving 100 consecutive full- contact fights,” explained Salehi of what the kumite involved.
The husband and father of two now trains out of the Chikara Dojo in Footscray under the guidance of Shihan Judd Reid, and is preparing to representing Australia at the 2025 Full
Contact Karate World Championship in Tokyo.
“This is the most prestigious and competitive full-contact karate tournament in the world, featuring the best fighters from every continent,” said Salehi.
“Representing Australia in this global arena is both a great honor and a major personal milestone.”
