The 8th Kyokushin Challenge Open Karate Tournament which was held in Bellevue, WA (just outside of Seattle) on April 18, 2009. In the cold wind of these uncertain economic times the tournament was able to blossom into a successful event. We were honored to have John Taylor Hanshi and John Adams Shihan as our honored guests for the tournament.

The tournament featured more than 70 fighters from around the USA and Canada, with fighters coming from San Diego, California and Juneau, Alaska as well as everywhere in between. The tournament began with a knockout fight from a jodan mowashi geri. The fighting was excellent, as was the Kyokushin spirit which was displayed. Between the fights there were self-defense, kata and breaking demonstrations by members of our dojo. In an effort to find new things to break, Sensei Campbell broke through coconuts with hand strikes. We were also honored by a performance from the Seattle Kokon Taiko Group. They were able to stop by on their way to the Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival. The following day John Taylor Hanshi led an excellent seminar which was well attended. After lunch he led a referee and judging clinic.