Taekwondo and karate athletes from across the region officially gathered at the Catholic Conference Centre for the historic return of the Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Mixed Martial Arts Cup.

Supported heavily by New Ireland Governor Byron Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Administration, the three-day championship marks the first time the tournament has been held in a decade.

The revived competition brings together 12 local martial arts clubs, featuring both male and female competitors vying for top honors in karate and taekwondo. Beyond provincial glory, the event serves as an elite talent identification platform. Tournament Director Severious Neki confirmed that standout athletes will be selected to represent New Ireland at the Karate Nationals in Lae this November, as well as the Taekwondo Korean Ambassador’s Cup in Port Moresby.

"Martial arts isn’t just a sport of defense and combat," Tournament Director Neki stated. "It teaches mental control, self-discipline, respect, and humility. These are the foundational values we want to encourage today’s youth."

To ensure national standards, chief instructors from the PNG Karate Federation—including Vice-President Sensei Roy Stanley and Sensei Abel Mekere—traveled from Port Moresby to oversee the event alongside taekwondo professionals.

The championship itinerary launched with official grading events and karate kata (patterns). The remainder of the tournament features high-energy karate kumite (sparring), taekwondo poomsae (patterns), and taekwondo kyorugi (sparring), concluding this Monday.

Governor Byron Chan, who is a martial arts sensei affiliated with international organizations, attended the opening ceremony to champion the sport's role in local youth development.

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

He emphasized that the Chan-Kolivos Government is committed to building stronger clubs, certifying qualified instructors, and establishing clear pathways for New Ireland athletes to reach national and international stages, including the Pacific Games.

The tournament's revival follows extensive community grassroots preparation led by provincial instructors Steven Tommy and Kairuku-based martial artist Vespa John, who conducted preparatory coaching clinics and drills across the province. John highly commended the Governor's hands-on support in restoring what was once a proud annual Kavieng sporting tradition.