| Our Ichigeki karate-team did very well at the big karate tournament this weekend up in Erie (1/30-31, 2010), which opened the 2010 karate season. 400+ competitors from all over PA and Ohio plus Great Britain, Wales, Canada, Michigan and NJ. Given that this tournament is very hard to place at (because of the high level of competition), we normally tell our students that we are competing for the experience and not to expect to place, so anytime someone is able to place in a division it is a big deal. Matt, who just started, got a 2nd in kata (forms) and a 4th in kumite (sparring) in his division, which is an exceptional accomplishment and is a great payoff for all the hard work he has put into his karate skills. Paul got an automatic first in self defense (he was the only competitor in his division - we call this the "courage" award because he was the only one with the courage to do it!). Our youth yellow belts (Laura, Emily and Justin) had a great showing as well. Emily had two thirds, (kumite and kata), Laura had a third and a fourth, (kumite and kata), and Justin should have placed in Kumite but was somehow eliminated even though he was undefeated after three matches! (I am checking into what happened). My children were able to place as well. Dillon got 2 firsts and 2 thirds (Kumite and Self Defense were the firsts, Weapons and Kata were thirds). Zoe got 3 seconds (Kumite, Kata, Self Defense) and one third in weapons. I got a first in self defense, and a 6th in kata, and did not place in weapons. So to round it up, team Ichigeki came away with four 1st places, four 2nd places, three 3rd places and one 4th place. Not bad at all! More pictures and video coming soon! | |||||||
 Dillon receiving his award from Master Barton | Sensei Brenda getting out of the way of a hook kick! |
 Sensei and J. make a nice couple |
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Emily is all smiles, Maryann warms up
in the back ground
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Sensei lineup - this spells trouble! |
Maryann and Sensei Grant discussing kata bunkai
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Senseis giving some information / Zoe
executing a throw during recent tournament
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Dillon doing Bo Staff Kata
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Our Kids class cleaned house at the latest
tournament - very impressive!
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Our Adults also did exceptionally well - congratulations!
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Senpai Brenda stops attack from Sensei
Grant and prepares to strike
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Sensei Dave helping Dillon and Ryan prepare
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Dillon executing Bo Staff Form
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Senpai Brenda asks Sensei Mark "How
did I do?"
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| Zoe executing Kicho Bo Staff Form with Sensei Dave, Dillon, Ryan and Mary looking on (Senpai Dan taking a picture). |
Jake ready to begin his kata - "What, me nervous?"
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Zoe stops attack from Sensei Grant and prepares to deliver knee strike...Senpai Dan looking on. |
Cody executing Pinan Three Kata
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Mary executing Pinan Two Kata
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Jesse executing Pinan Sandan during outdoor
demonstration
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Maryann asking judges permission to begin
her kata during tournament - nerves of steel
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Sensei Mark demonstrating the Sword Kata.
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