Young Sunshine West fighter Hunter Pham is making waves on the national stage, taking home gold at the 2025 Karate Australia National Championships.
Hunter began his karate journey at just five years old at Samurai Karate in Sunshine West.
The past two years Hunter has consistently medaled in development tournaments and represented his dojo in the state team in various competitions around Victoria.
It earned him a spot at the 2025 Karate Australia National Championships team in July.
Hunter said he loves karate for a number of reasons.
“I get to make new friends, train with my sister, and stay fit,” he said. “What I really love about karate is that after a couple of years, I get to do cool stuff—like takedowns.
“I do 11 sessions over the span of five days [a week] The best part of training is that I can keep improving at karate”
“It feels like 1,000 gears of hard work—and a lot of good luck.”
Hunter said he feels grateful to have won gold at the national championships as the event only happens once a year.
He has big ambitions going forward.
“I want to win Oceania, become a black belt, win the World Cup, and be the best in the world,” he said.
Hunter’s mum Tien Pham said the gold medal was a proud moment built on years of resilience, discipline, and growth.
His dad Tom said karate was amazing for his son, who also loves maths.
“Karate has been a game changer,” he said. “It’s helped him manage his emotions and stress.
“He used to cry at the drop of a hat, but the discipline and self-control he’s learned through karate has really transformed him.
