Solomon Purcell

Solomon Purcell, of Havelock North, received the Queen's Service Medal for services to martial arts.  He was the team manager for a number of World Kyokushin Tournaments, and chairman of the New Zealand Kyokushin Blackbelts.  He is the New Zealand Branch chief and country representative of the New Zealand International Karate Organisation Kyokushin-Kaikan Matsushimal.  He organised the first New Zealand Karate championships in 1969, which have been held annually for more than 40 years.  He was the president of the New Zealand Martial Arts Association of New Zealand Kyokushin Karate.  He also arranges self-defence courses for all ages in his local community.  Mr Purcell is a part time guidance counsellor and is involved with the local truancy services.