| |
 |
| The 2006 Matsushima challenge
was held in Kirkland, Canada on the 20th of May
and was organised by Sensei John Karaidopoulos.
This was my second time attending this tournament.
There were many competitors from Vancouver, including
the east end and the west end all the way to Nova
Scotia. Included in this tournament was a junior
division in both the kata and kumite sections. I
have heard that it takes a few hours to Kirkland
from Rochester where U.S.A. Branch Chief Rene Cruz
lives and also an 8 hour drive along the highway
from New Brunswick where Branch Chief Ray Cormier
lives.
Over 200 Competitors participated in the tournament,
these being spread over several divisions including
Male and Female seniors, Junior and as young as
kindergarten, kata and kumite. With so many competitors
the event was run on 5 mats simultaneously and
this system ran very smoothly. With the leadership
of branch Chief Roman Szyrajew, the instructors
were very co-operative and did their duties positively
and I felt that they united well throughout the
tournament.
|
| 10 Students from Inuit,
in the northern area of Quebec took part in the
tournament for the very first time, this was very
impressive as it takes several hours, even by
plane to reach Kirkland due to the distance involved.
I was also impressed that the government supported
their entry in the tournament as their area is
experiencing hardship. After the tournament I
was asked for autographs, some on Gi's, belts,
bags, hats and t-shirts, some people even went
home with autographs on their faces! Sensei Sylvain
has taught his students that it is important to
live with a hopeful outlook for the future, even
when living in difficult circumstances, he hopes
karate training helps their life, and I really
hope it does too.
The venue was so full with competitors and
their friends and family that no one could move
an inch and I deeply appreciate everybody for
the co-operation as usual.
Please see the below website for tournament
photos.
www.pbase.com/rick300d
http://www.pbase.com/rick300d |
|
|
