2015 Reports | International Friendship Tournament
International Friendship Tournament
April 18 - 19, 2015
International Friendship Tournament - Japan
First of all I must thank Sensei Brad, Shihan Stuart and the IKOK-C for even letting me have this opportunity to travel to Tokyo Japan to compete in the International Karate Friendship 2015 Tournament 1 week ago . This journey started back in January during a conversation with Sensei Brad about the tournament. It was then I expressed my desire to go and competing. I was told if I was able to go I would have to commit completely, to training harder than ever, attending every regular class, every fight class, more gym time. Not knowing what I was in for I agreed and promised I would work harder than ever and do anything he asked of me. I remember the first pad work out Sensei Brad had me do after a Tuesday night Kata class, I was so embarrassed with my performance that I apologized to him about my poor cardio and bad performance. He looked at me ,Grinned and said only as he can say “I know you will”. Over the next several weeks and months I attended every class, pushed myself at every fight class, went to the gym every night that there was no class where I was pushed even harder by my gym partner Sempai Kim. As the time drew closer I could see a big difference in my cardio and my fitness level - to a level I hadn’t seen in years, and dropped 28 Lbs along the way.
The day finally arrived and Doug and I were on our way to meet Isabelle at the airport for our long 10 hr 40 min flight to Japan. Sensei Brad was also at the airport flying to Vancouver first to Meet with Shihan Stuart and Sensei Terry for their flight . After a long sleepless flight we finally arrived in Japan, we grabbed our luggage and jumped on the train for our 1 ½ hour ride into Tokyo. I was absolutely amazed at the scenery from the window of the train. Rice fields everywhere, farmers out working in those fields, houses so close together , I could not stop staring out the window at this strange land. As we got closer to Tokyo I was in awe at how big this great city was and how busy it appeared to be. Once we had all checked into our hotel we went for a short walk around the area and again I was in awe of how incredible this was. Sensei Brad , Sensei Terry and Shihan Stuart arrived a little later. After dinner Sensei Brad and Sensei Terry walked us to the old original Honbu not far from our hotel, it was incredible to look through the windows at pictures of Mas Oyama and the history of Kyokushin. One wall had a tile mural of Mas Oyama fighting a bull, it sent chills down your spine.
The next day we met early for breakfast. It was here I met Shihan Kenny from South Africa, I felt an instant connection to him and could sit and listen to his stories of the earlier years of Kyokushin for hours. We then had to go to the new and current Honbu to register for the tournament. Shihan Stuart takes care of everything as far as registering , we had to weigh in and have all of our gear inspected. I felt very privileged to be in such an important place and got to see a part of kyokushin I could only imagine. After we were all registered we headed for a site seeing trip to the Tokyo Skytree, a large very high observation tower over 1000 ft tall, did I say I was afraid of heights!! No words can describe how amazing this place was, once my knees stopped shaking and I was able to actually look out the windows at the unbelievable view. Never did like standing on the glass floor and looking straight down. This is a trip I will not soon forget. Then back on the subway and out for dinner, the food is amazing by the way!! No matter where we went. The next day was the first day of the tournament and the day Isabelle was to compete. Walking into the venue was very overwhelming, we were in the Tokyo Gymnasium, built for the 1964 XVIII Olympics for Gymnastics and holds about 17000 spectators. It was unbelievable , 10 rings and over 1200 competitors. Isabelle headed for the floor and we to the stands to cheer her on. After the warm up and opening ceremony she was ready to go. She was up third and made us very proud with her outstanding performance, I thought one of the best I have ever seen her do . Congratulations Isabelle.
The next day was Doug and my turn to compete in our kumite, still feeling overwhelmed by the size of this event we headed for the floor to get ourselves ready for the challenge ahead. Each of the 10 rings had 12-14 volenteers and 2 sets of officials that stayed with that ring from start to finish. Each fight in the draw is numbered, Doug was fight # 16 in his ring , from the side line I watched him easily win his first match. I was fight 46 in my ring and Doug was now fight 48 in his. They move through these very smoothly and efficiently, they post your fighter # on the board and you have 3 minutes to report to the ring area or you are out. Doug and I entered our rings at the same time, our rings were side by side. My fight did not go as I had hoped or planned and was outscored by my opponent. Doug fought very well taking his fight to an extension where he was outscored by the eventual winner of his division. All of the hard work and sweat of the last few months had come down to that 1 ½ minutes and when Sensei Brad asked me as I walked away from the ring area “well how was it” I looked up at him and said with a big smile on my face “I loved it , I had a blast”. I knew win or lose I had trained as hard as I could and gave it all I had in that ring and it was all so worth it. This was an un believable and amazing experience I can’t wait to go back. Once my rib and chest heal in 6 weeks I am looking forward to starting a new journey and new goal and working even harder to fulfill that goal. I am even looking more forward to pushing many of our other great fighters even harder and matbe they can one day find themselves representing Canada as I have had the privilege and honour of doing.
Again Thank you to our amazing Sensei Brad, Shihan Stuart and the IKOK-C. And to everyone in our Dojo that helped push me every chance they had. And a big thank you to Kim for making me work harder at the gym than I thought I could.
I had this dream when I was in my early twenties and my dad told me to get my head out of the clouds and not to be so stupid, I held on to that dream for over 30 years and with the help of some very special people mine came true, I can say with all sincerity that it was well worth the wait.
Keep dreaming everyone!!! OSU
Gary Swift
My first trip to Japan, IFT 2015
By Isabelle Godin
I'm in the shuttle, on my way to the airport, and I finally get some quiet time to reflect on my amazing journey in Japan.
I came to Tokyo to participate in the senior kata division at the International Friendship Tournament 2015. I also completed the training camp at Mount Mitsumine.
The tournament was a fabulous experience. I learned so much by watching the other competitors. The children surprised me the most: their kata are so crisp and precise! The most intimidating part for me was the warm up before the opening ceremony. I was on my assigned court (there is 10 courts!), surrounded by much more advance belts from all over the world, trying to find a spot to stretch and practice with out being in anybody’s way. It was a little overwhelming! But after the opening ceremony, once the tournament started, it was easier for me to focus on what I had to do. When it was my turn to go on the court, I was calm and focused. I slowed down my pace like I had discussed with Sensei Brad and enjoy the moment. I did my best Kanku dai so far and I was happy with my performance. After my kata, I joined Sensei Terry, Sensei Brad, Gary and Doug in the stands to watch the rest of the kata divisions and a little bit of the kids kumite.
The next day, it was Gary and Doug’s turn to fight. From where I was sitting, I could see Gary with the biggest grin on his face, so excited to be there! And Doug, well, he was just being Doug: tall, imposing, focused! It was very inspiring to see them fight at an international level.
The highlight of my week was definitely the training camp we did at Mount Mitsumine. The day after the tournament, we said good-bye to Gary and Doug who were returning home. Shihan Stuart, Sensei Terry, Sensei Brad, and I left for Chichibu – Tama – Kai national park where Mount Mitsumine is. At the top of the mountain, there is a beautiful shrine and beautiful monuments, some over 2000 years old. In the mist, it was just breathtaking and peaceful. Sometimes you would hear the monks chanting in the background. One cannot help but feel lifted in this environment. We attended a ceremony to commemorate Sosai Mas Oyama’s passing, went to pay respect to his burial site, train with Kancho Matsui and enjoy this amazing site. It was a truly grand experience for me. From the slippers we wear when we walk in the hotel, to the hot natural spring (onsen) we can soak into after our training, the Japanese style dining, sleeping on tatamis, mingling with other karate practitioner from all over the world and the walk down the mountain (and standing under a very cold cascade!). It was a truly memorable experience!
Thank you to the IFT organizers and volunteers for this very successful event and the IKOK-C for given me the opportunity to attend. Also, thank you to my kyokushin “family”, I wouldn’t be where I am today with out your support and encouragement. Thank you Sensei Brad for always pushing me to be better, quicker, stronger. And thank you François, Amélie and Jonathan for supporting me unconditionally through my karate journey. Osu!
2015 IFT in Japan
Osu
I was very excited to hear that I was given permission to fight in the 2015 International Karate Friendship Tournament in Japan this year. That of course drove my training and tournament regime for the season. Well April 15th came quick this year and I was excited for my return trip to the place where it all started. This year I headed out with Gary Swift, Isabelle Godin, Sensei Brad, Sensei Terry and of course Shihan Stuart. Once we landed in Japan Isabelle, Gary and I made our way to the hotel via the efficient train and subway system, which was exciting and somewhat familiar to me as it was hard to believe only a year ago that I was there. Of course due to excitement I hadn’t slept since we left Calgary and I sure wasn’t planning on sleeping anytime soon. We got checked in and then went for a little sightseeing while we waited for the others to land and go for dinner.
The days leading up to the event were of course spent doing touristy things and sightseeing around Tokyo. On the Friday before the tournament we went to the Honbu to register for the event. This is always a very cool experience being there and posing for some pictures in front of the picture and shrine for Mas Oyama. Once all our gear was checked we were official and ready to participate. The rest of Friday was spent touring around and then to bed early as we needed to be up early to get to the event for Isabelle to compete on Saturday. Isabelle was in a very tough division of competitors, included was the current Women’s World Kata Champion. Isabelle didn’t even seemed phased by this or by the event, she held her nerves better than I could ever hope to. Isabelle competed well and did her kata the best we have ever seen her do in competition. I’m sure the story of the amazing yoko geri is already circulating around the other dojo’s. It was truly a joy to watch her compete and to be associated with such a great kata competitor.
Well of course fight day came up quick, before I knew it, it was Sunday morning and I was my usual bundle of nerves. I had already seen the draw and I had a Japanese fighter first and then if I win I got the tournament favorite as my second fight. Gary and I went down to the tournament floor to get changed for the warm up of champions and the opening ceremonies. After the warm up, is when I think the most amazing thing and one of the things that I like the best about Kyokushin Karate happened. I started to see people that I had met and some that I had fought last year, and everyone was shaking hands bowing OSU and giving out big hugs. This to me, is the best part of doing what I do and travelling around the world, is the extended family you end up with. I saw people from all around that I have met at even LA this year over in Japan. Everyone is your friend and family when you are away from your own. It is these things that keep me coming back for more.
The first gentlemen that I fought was a little taller than me, but of course I outweighed him by a little bit. LOL. This was actually the lightest tournament weight for me to come in at, right around 262 lbs. I was feeling very good about my training and cardio. My first competitor was a tough opponent and he even kicked me in the face on one occasion, good thing they don’t give out half points for light contact. Our match went right to the end and I ended up with 4 flags in my favor. Wow was I happy!!! He was a great competitor and of course even posed for some pics after our fight, his wife even wanted some as well. Now I had to get ready for my next fight with the tournament favorite. I found him on the floor when it was close to our fight to shake hands before and size him up a little. He was not a small man by any means and he was all business. Our first round went the distance and we ended up tied from the corner judges with 2 flags a piece, I was kind of glad to hear the center ref tell us to keep fighting, but as you all know, there is that dread of going another round. Well we went at it again and fought till the end of the extension with no points handed out. In the end the decision went to my opponent and rightfully so. It was a great fight and a great honor to take him to an extension and last. He of course went on to roll through his other opponents and win our division. I was the only fighter to make him work and take to an extension for his win. I was of course disappointed at first in losing but then I thought about what I tell all fighters about competing and being one of very few here competing internationally and holding their own. I trained hard and fought hard and honorably, giving it my all and leaving it on the mat. I guess I need to take my own advice and be happy with my performance for what it was and how I represented both Canada and our club. It’s a good thing Sensei Brad was there to buy me my traditional ice cream after losing and chat with to know and hear how proud he was of me and of Isabelle and Gary.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IKOK-C for the opportunity to attend this event and supporting all our fighters that travel internationally to compete. Without you there would be no Kyokushin for us to train or tournaments to enter. I would of course like to thank Sensei Brad for helping train me, push me beyond my limits and keeping me on track with my goals to compete. Without your guidance and experience I could not do this. Also to all my Sempei’s that help me train at fight class and help push me to get better, I thank you.
OSU
Doug Shermack
First of all I must thank Sensei Brad, Shihan Stuart and the IKOK-C for even letting me have this opportunity to travel to Tokyo Japan to compete in the International Karate Friendship 2015 Tournament 1 week ago . This journey started back in January during a conversation with Sensei Brad about the tournament. It was then I expressed my desire to go and competing. I was told if I was able to go I would have to commit completely, to training harder than ever, attending every regular class, every fight class, more gym time. Not knowing what I was in for I agreed and promised I would work harder than ever and do anything he asked of me. I remember the first pad work out Sensei Brad had me do after a Tuesday night Kata class, I was so embarrassed with my performance that I apologized to him about my poor cardio and bad performance. He looked at me ,Grinned and said only as he can say “I know you will”. Over the next several weeks and months I attended every class, pushed myself at every fight class, went to the gym every night that there was no class where I was pushed even harder by my gym partner Sempai Kim. As the time drew closer I could see a big difference in my cardio and my fitness level - to a level I hadn’t seen in years, and dropped 28 Lbs along the way.
The day finally arrived and Doug and I were on our way to meet Isabelle at the airport for our long 10 hr 40 min flight to Japan. Sensei Brad was also at the airport flying to Vancouver first to Meet with Shihan Stuart and Sensei Terry for their flight . After a long sleepless flight we finally arrived in Japan, we grabbed our luggage and jumped on the train for our 1 ½ hour ride into Tokyo. I was absolutely amazed at the scenery from the window of the train. Rice fields everywhere, farmers out working in those fields, houses so close together , I could not stop staring out the window at this strange land. As we got closer to Tokyo I was in awe at how big this great city was and how busy it appeared to be. Once we had all checked into our hotel we went for a short walk around the area and again I was in awe of how incredible this was. Sensei Brad , Sensei Terry and Shihan Stuart arrived a little later. After dinner Sensei Brad and Sensei Terry walked us to the old original Honbu not far from our hotel, it was incredible to look through the windows at pictures of Mas Oyama and the history of Kyokushin. One wall had a tile mural of Mas Oyama fighting a bull, it sent chills down your spine.
The next day we met early for breakfast. It was here I met Shihan Kenny from South Africa, I felt an instant connection to him and could sit and listen to his stories of the earlier years of Kyokushin for hours. We then had to go to the new and current Honbu to register for the tournament. Shihan Stuart takes care of everything as far as registering , we had to weigh in and have all of our gear inspected. I felt very privileged to be in such an important place and got to see a part of kyokushin I could only imagine. After we were all registered we headed for a site seeing trip to the Tokyo Skytree, a large very high observation tower over 1000 ft tall, did I say I was afraid of heights!! No words can describe how amazing this place was, once my knees stopped shaking and I was able to actually look out the windows at the unbelievable view. Never did like standing on the glass floor and looking straight down. This is a trip I will not soon forget. Then back on the subway and out for dinner, the food is amazing by the way!! No matter where we went. The next day was the first day of the tournament and the day Isabelle was to compete. Walking into the venue was very overwhelming, we were in the Tokyo Gymnasium, built for the 1964 XVIII Olympics for Gymnastics and holds about 17000 spectators. It was unbelievable , 10 rings and over 1200 competitors. Isabelle headed for the floor and we to the stands to cheer her on. After the warm up and opening ceremony she was ready to go. She was up third and made us very proud with her outstanding performance, I thought one of the best I have ever seen her do . Congratulations Isabelle.
The next day was Doug and my turn to compete in our kumite, still feeling overwhelmed by the size of this event we headed for the floor to get ourselves ready for the challenge ahead. Each of the 10 rings had 12-14 volenteers and 2 sets of officials that stayed with that ring from start to finish. Each fight in the draw is numbered, Doug was fight # 16 in his ring , from the side line I watched him easily win his first match. I was fight 46 in my ring and Doug was now fight 48 in his. They move through these very smoothly and efficiently, they post your fighter # on the board and you have 3 minutes to report to the ring area or you are out. Doug and I entered our rings at the same time, our rings were side by side. My fight did not go as I had hoped or planned and was outscored by my opponent. Doug fought very well taking his fight to an extension where he was outscored by the eventual winner of his division. All of the hard work and sweat of the last few months had come down to that 1 ½ minutes and when Sensei Brad asked me as I walked away from the ring area “well how was it” I looked up at him and said with a big smile on my face “I loved it , I had a blast”. I knew win or lose I had trained as hard as I could and gave it all I had in that ring and it was all so worth it. This was an un believable and amazing experience I can’t wait to go back. Once my rib and chest heal in 6 weeks I am looking forward to starting a new journey and new goal and working even harder to fulfill that goal. I am even looking more forward to pushing many of our other great fighters even harder and matbe they can one day find themselves representing Canada as I have had the privilege and honour of doing.
Again Thank you to our amazing Sensei Brad, Shihan Stuart and the IKOK-C. And to everyone in our Dojo that helped push me every chance they had. And a big thank you to Kim for making me work harder at the gym than I thought I could.
I had this dream when I was in my early twenties and my dad told me to get my head out of the clouds and not to be so stupid, I held on to that dream for over 30 years and with the help of some very special people mine came true, I can say with all sincerity that it was well worth the wait.
Keep dreaming everyone!!! OSU
Gary Swift
My first trip to Japan, IFT 2015
By Isabelle Godin
I'm in the shuttle, on my way to the airport, and I finally get some quiet time to reflect on my amazing journey in Japan.
I came to Tokyo to participate in the senior kata division at the International Friendship Tournament 2015. I also completed the training camp at Mount Mitsumine.
The tournament was a fabulous experience. I learned so much by watching the other competitors. The children surprised me the most: their kata are so crisp and precise! The most intimidating part for me was the warm up before the opening ceremony. I was on my assigned court (there is 10 courts!), surrounded by much more advance belts from all over the world, trying to find a spot to stretch and practice with out being in anybody’s way. It was a little overwhelming! But after the opening ceremony, once the tournament started, it was easier for me to focus on what I had to do. When it was my turn to go on the court, I was calm and focused. I slowed down my pace like I had discussed with Sensei Brad and enjoy the moment. I did my best Kanku dai so far and I was happy with my performance. After my kata, I joined Sensei Terry, Sensei Brad, Gary and Doug in the stands to watch the rest of the kata divisions and a little bit of the kids kumite.
The next day, it was Gary and Doug’s turn to fight. From where I was sitting, I could see Gary with the biggest grin on his face, so excited to be there! And Doug, well, he was just being Doug: tall, imposing, focused! It was very inspiring to see them fight at an international level.
The highlight of my week was definitely the training camp we did at Mount Mitsumine. The day after the tournament, we said good-bye to Gary and Doug who were returning home. Shihan Stuart, Sensei Terry, Sensei Brad, and I left for Chichibu – Tama – Kai national park where Mount Mitsumine is. At the top of the mountain, there is a beautiful shrine and beautiful monuments, some over 2000 years old. In the mist, it was just breathtaking and peaceful. Sometimes you would hear the monks chanting in the background. One cannot help but feel lifted in this environment. We attended a ceremony to commemorate Sosai Mas Oyama’s passing, went to pay respect to his burial site, train with Kancho Matsui and enjoy this amazing site. It was a truly grand experience for me. From the slippers we wear when we walk in the hotel, to the hot natural spring (onsen) we can soak into after our training, the Japanese style dining, sleeping on tatamis, mingling with other karate practitioner from all over the world and the walk down the mountain (and standing under a very cold cascade!). It was a truly memorable experience!
Thank you to the IFT organizers and volunteers for this very successful event and the IKOK-C for given me the opportunity to attend. Also, thank you to my kyokushin “family”, I wouldn’t be where I am today with out your support and encouragement. Thank you Sensei Brad for always pushing me to be better, quicker, stronger. And thank you François, Amélie and Jonathan for supporting me unconditionally through my karate journey. Osu!
2015 IFT in Japan
Osu
I was very excited to hear that I was given permission to fight in the 2015 International Karate Friendship Tournament in Japan this year. That of course drove my training and tournament regime for the season. Well April 15th came quick this year and I was excited for my return trip to the place where it all started. This year I headed out with Gary Swift, Isabelle Godin, Sensei Brad, Sensei Terry and of course Shihan Stuart. Once we landed in Japan Isabelle, Gary and I made our way to the hotel via the efficient train and subway system, which was exciting and somewhat familiar to me as it was hard to believe only a year ago that I was there. Of course due to excitement I hadn’t slept since we left Calgary and I sure wasn’t planning on sleeping anytime soon. We got checked in and then went for a little sightseeing while we waited for the others to land and go for dinner.
The days leading up to the event were of course spent doing touristy things and sightseeing around Tokyo. On the Friday before the tournament we went to the Honbu to register for the event. This is always a very cool experience being there and posing for some pictures in front of the picture and shrine for Mas Oyama. Once all our gear was checked we were official and ready to participate. The rest of Friday was spent touring around and then to bed early as we needed to be up early to get to the event for Isabelle to compete on Saturday. Isabelle was in a very tough division of competitors, included was the current Women’s World Kata Champion. Isabelle didn’t even seemed phased by this or by the event, she held her nerves better than I could ever hope to. Isabelle competed well and did her kata the best we have ever seen her do in competition. I’m sure the story of the amazing yoko geri is already circulating around the other dojo’s. It was truly a joy to watch her compete and to be associated with such a great kata competitor.
Well of course fight day came up quick, before I knew it, it was Sunday morning and I was my usual bundle of nerves. I had already seen the draw and I had a Japanese fighter first and then if I win I got the tournament favorite as my second fight. Gary and I went down to the tournament floor to get changed for the warm up of champions and the opening ceremonies. After the warm up, is when I think the most amazing thing and one of the things that I like the best about Kyokushin Karate happened. I started to see people that I had met and some that I had fought last year, and everyone was shaking hands bowing OSU and giving out big hugs. This to me, is the best part of doing what I do and travelling around the world, is the extended family you end up with. I saw people from all around that I have met at even LA this year over in Japan. Everyone is your friend and family when you are away from your own. It is these things that keep me coming back for more.
The first gentlemen that I fought was a little taller than me, but of course I outweighed him by a little bit. LOL. This was actually the lightest tournament weight for me to come in at, right around 262 lbs. I was feeling very good about my training and cardio. My first competitor was a tough opponent and he even kicked me in the face on one occasion, good thing they don’t give out half points for light contact. Our match went right to the end and I ended up with 4 flags in my favor. Wow was I happy!!! He was a great competitor and of course even posed for some pics after our fight, his wife even wanted some as well. Now I had to get ready for my next fight with the tournament favorite. I found him on the floor when it was close to our fight to shake hands before and size him up a little. He was not a small man by any means and he was all business. Our first round went the distance and we ended up tied from the corner judges with 2 flags a piece, I was kind of glad to hear the center ref tell us to keep fighting, but as you all know, there is that dread of going another round. Well we went at it again and fought till the end of the extension with no points handed out. In the end the decision went to my opponent and rightfully so. It was a great fight and a great honor to take him to an extension and last. He of course went on to roll through his other opponents and win our division. I was the only fighter to make him work and take to an extension for his win. I was of course disappointed at first in losing but then I thought about what I tell all fighters about competing and being one of very few here competing internationally and holding their own. I trained hard and fought hard and honorably, giving it my all and leaving it on the mat. I guess I need to take my own advice and be happy with my performance for what it was and how I represented both Canada and our club. It’s a good thing Sensei Brad was there to buy me my traditional ice cream after losing and chat with to know and hear how proud he was of me and of Isabelle and Gary.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IKOK-C for the opportunity to attend this event and supporting all our fighters that travel internationally to compete. Without you there would be no Kyokushin for us to train or tournaments to enter. I would of course like to thank Sensei Brad for helping train me, push me beyond my limits and keeping me on track with my goals to compete. Without your guidance and experience I could not do this. Also to all my Sempei’s that help me train at fight class and help push me to get better, I thank you.
OSU
Doug Shermack
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