Murray Bridge’s karate kid wins gold at international event
Local student, Seth Puddy, has come out victorious at the 2025 Oceania Karate Federation Championships, earlier this month.

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Seth Puddy has won gold at the 2025 Oceania Karate Federation Championships held in New Caledonia, earlier this month.
The year ten Tyndale Christian School student represented both the state and nation in the Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg division.
It was Seth's first time competing internationally, and against elite athletes from countries including Australia, New Caledonia and New Zealand.
After a strong showing throughout the tournament, he made it to the final and came away with the gold – a victory not only for Australia, but also for his South Australian dojo, Shingokan Karate, based in Virginia.
"The atmosphere was really cool," Seth said.
Seth is now seventh in the world for his category: "When I won my first nationals it was kind of the same (surreal) feeling, but this is even bigger."
Seth first began training at the age of three, and his successes reflect his years of discipline, dedication and the ongoing support of his family.
"I began to really enjoy it, loving the competition, so I stuck through it and it's just been a part of me."
He continues to be coached by Matt Johnson, head coach of both his dojo and the Australian team.
Seth travels to Virginia twice a week for training: "My coach has been a big inspiration in all of this, my entire life pretty much," Seth said.
"My mum's (also) been a big support in all this, she's pretty much paid for all the travel that I've done, so big shout out to her."
Seth’s next major competition will be the 2025 Australian National Championships, held later this year in Adelaide, where he will compete against top athletes from across the country.
With fundraising support, Seth also hopes to compete in upcoming international tournaments in China and the Philippines this August.
Keep an eye out for future fund raising events, specifically a Bunning's sausage sizzle in Murray Bridge.

Future aspirations also include the 2026 Junior Olympics; since winning the international competition, Seth is pretty confident he'll get picked during the selection process.
Seth's advice for others in similar sports, would be to stick to what you're doing without branching off.
"You need to stay focused, if you're really want to succeed in something, stay dedicated to that sport."