Wow! An upcoming tournament, and for two-weeks before, the Dojo is a hive of activity. Students are sharpening their skills here at Honbu, to compete against each other, as well as our other branches – but most importantly; against themselves. Some students go through the drills; others jump into it whole-heartedly, with a definite view of a placement. Most do it just for the love of Karate-Do!

Behind the scenes it is just as hectic. Hanshi has his hands full, what with the general promoting of the tournament, arranging the floor layout, the banners, medals,documentation, co-ordinating the referees and judges into different teams, arranging additional assistence on the tables – many students parents gave up their time to assist us with this. Senpai Jan-Nita, assisted by sensei Yolinda and Senpai Shireen oversaw the document co-ordination and the co-ordination of the events, to ensure a smooth running event. Senpai Hendrik and Irene processed all the application forms, and so, the latest tournament was born.

Sunday morning, May 23^rd arrives. Members and family-members start filling the Dojo, which had been specially prepped for the day. A Tuck-Shop has been set up, and Coffee and Tea seem to be the order of the day on this rather chilly highveld morning. More people arrive. Those seniors who are judges and referees look seriously smart in their formal tournament gear! The Dojo fills completely, and at 08h30, Hanshi launches the tournament, and gives the spectators a quick run-down on how the rules of the various disciplines work. The Judges and Referees meanwhile take up their positions at their designated officiating areas, the assembled students looking on apprehensively…. And then the tournament was underway.

Kata was performed first, in all three rings. The childrens contingent was very strong. The anticipation, then the look of pure focus and concentration on those little faces as they executed their favourite Kata with skill and determination. The smiles of winning, and the disappointment of losing. Those kids were fantastic, and if this is anything to go by, then we have a very bright future indeed! The Female Black-Belt Kata division was very strong indeed. Fifteen entries in all, the ladies certainly do justice to Karate, and bring tremendous precision to their Kata! It was spectacular to watch and a very closely contested affair – watch out Gents, these women are truly a force to be reaconed with! The adults Kata, particularly the senior division was a closely fought contest – some spectacularly dynamic traditional Kata were seen by an amazed audience.

A well committed demonstration of various advanced attack and defense was conducted by Sensei Yusuf and Senpai Angelo. This involved Knives and Bo (Long Staff) and open-hand techniques. Then came the Gankaku Kata Bunkai (Applications) Demonstration, conducted expertly by Sensei Ronald, and assisted by Sensei Yusuf and Senpais Angelo and Khalid. It truly shows the essence of what Kata is all about. Bunkai is practiced in order to teach the student why the specific movements are executed the way they are-how the various techniques are applied, and how the Kata relates to the way of Karate-Do.

Kumite was alive and positively crackling with energy. The children are looking exceptionally strong. It is quite humerous to observe that, in years gone by, we used safety equipment like gloves, head protection and bootees. Back in that era, the kids would often cry when connected. Nowadays the only protection we use is a groin-guard (for males only) and a gum-guard. The kids were using strong well placed techniques to the body, and the tears were kept to an absolute minimum! These little Gladiators sometimes fought opponents much bigger than themselves, and by all accounts, gave their all with warrior-like spinit!  Is it possible that this new generation is tougher than the last? I think not! What is a fact is that our fighting system has evolved considerably, and the fighters themselves are better prepared to both take more punishment as well as execute strong, clean, well controlled, well placed techniques!  A new system of fighting is emerging, being drilled into the students continually. The new style of judging allows the Referee and Judges to accumulate points while allowing the fighters to continue fighting – until an exceptionally decisive technique or takedown is executed, or an infringement occurrs. This allows for a more realistic bout, both for the fighters and for the spectators. The seniors’ matches were truly spectacular. Good technique, spirit and sportsmanship reigned supreme.

On talking and interacting with parents and officials alike, the feedback was certainly very positive. One young Black-Belt was initially so apprehensive that he approached one of the judges, asking that he be withdrawn from competing. He was told that if he didn’t wish to compete, it was fine, but he was given a pep-talk by one of the Sensei, and asked to sit and think very carefully-to try to overcome the self-doubt, the fear that was creeping in to undermine his spirit. To keep a long story short, that youngster decided to compete, and did exceptionally well in the senior Black-Belt kumite – against much more seasoned competitors. One little boy’s father was initially quite apprehensive about his son doing the Kumite section. He asked me the week prior if his son could just do Kata. On the day of the tournament, I looked over to one of the other rings and saw this little guy doing Kumite with gusto, looking great, confident and determined. I spoke with him afterwards, and all he could say was “Wow!” One Mother and Father seemed quite delighted with the proceedings on the Dojo Floor. I approached them and asked them if they were having a good time…. They were like, “Are you kidding us? This is awesome! It is great to come to the Dojo, view an event like this, and finally see what all the strange movements and techniques are all about, to see them applied like this – this is great!” A senior official said that this was one of the best run tournaments that he has ever experienced in his considerable Karate career!

A great tournament overall. A very positive spirit of co-operation and mutual respect was held throughout. Everyone was a winner, but at the end of the day, Karate was the over-all winner!

Our next tournament is in about 2 months – date to be announced. Be ready – train hard – and we would love to have you all back next time. Please come and compete, participate, or just support us by spectating – help us to keep Karate alive!

OSU!!!!

Andy Baker – Sensei.