There is a sense of destiny behind the arrival of Adam Nankivell to the Silverdome.
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The Hobart 17-year-old on Friday walks around the floor, set to fight not only his opponents but against his state's weighty expectations.
That moment arrives late on Saturday afternoon when he steps onto the mat and adopts a combative stance.
"I come prepared every time," Nankivell said. "I'm looking for another medal."
The intense student of the martial art took out a bronze medal just two years ago.
He fancies his chances in the 76kg-plus junior division.
"Last year, I was sort of fresh in this age division. This year, I know what I am coming against," Nankivell said.
"They are all about my weight, so it will be close."
This year also marks the 84kg fighter's 10th straight Australian Karate Federation national championships.
So, Nankivell has been here and done that.
Just not home in Tasmania.
It's the first tournament in the state since Hobart in 2001 - before Nankivell was born.
That could easily add to the pressure, but the nerves aren't there for good reason.
"Everything is pretty familiar here," Nankivell said.
"It's really good and good to compete in front of more people to support you.
"I have my sister and her boyfriend to come up here."
Jess Nankivell has been quite proficient in the sport.
The 21-year-old stepped away from competitions in spite of winning a "lot and a lot" of medals at nationals.
The wisdom around the dinner table that includes his dad and mentor Jason Nankivell proves invaluable in key moments.
"She especially has a lot of experience so if I need to ask any advice, she knows what I am going through," he said.
Not that the youngest of the two Nankivell siblings needs too much advice.
He incredibly earned a first dan black belt at just 13 years of age, one of the youngest in the progressive Shotokan Karate Budokai dojo.
And starting in karate at barely five years old, Nankivell can relate to younger competitors half his size as he shares approving nods.
"I'm here today to support my Tasmanian teammates. There is a few of them who it's their first nationals too," he said of his support on Friday.
"There is nothing worse than coming to a big competition like this for a first time.
"It's a privilege to me for them to look up to me."