2015 Reports | World Tournament
World Tournament
20-23 November, 2015
On November 16th I left for the first, but not the last, time to visit Japan and watch the IKO’s 11th World Open. This was an amazing experience filled with comradery, learning, and elite athletics. I owe a special thanks to Sensei Brad who played part-time host for me. I strongly recommend the experience to anyone; plus staying a few extra days to travel around Japan as the rail system is convenient, comprehensive, and relatively cheap. However, I will focus my thoughts on the three days of the World Karate Championship.
My first surprise was all the Canadian supporters – clearly displaying their Canada Kyokushin Karate jackets. Canada had a significant presence at the tournament. This included Sensei Brad who participated as a judge, and Sempai Mark, from Vancouver, who highlighted a strong contingent of Canadian fighters.
As the first day of the tournament progressed the number of Russian fighters was painfully obvious. Of the roughly 185 competitors I was told 38 were Russian. I was blown away by the calibre of Russian fighters, with only one lost match all day. To the amateur observer – myself included – after the first day it was difficult to believe anyone other than a Russian (or possibly Japanese) fighter would win the tournament.
The second day offered a steep leg up in match difficulty as elite fighters started being matched against one another. The reality of how strong and talented these competitors were was sobering. Core strength was on display as the incredible impact force of some strikes was incredible and hard to fathom - yet most victims didn’t even flinch! Sempai Mark fought a quality match against a tough Japanese opponent, but after an extension lost to the tie breaker. Unfortunately, no Canadian competitors would advance to Sunday.
The final day saw the top 32 contestants square off. It was readily apparent that all possessed the necessary strength to stand up to one another; so cardio and technique became the difference. As the last day of competition commenced, it seemed as if Russia would again claim top spot. However, going into the semifinals fatigue became a factor as the two fighters to advance were better able to stay in a proper stance. Though Sensei Brad always reminds students to remain in a good fighting stance the importance of this lesson became ingrained after watching these final matches. Not only were the fighters with a good stance able to throw more variation in techniques but they were also less susceptible to strikes – especially knees – to the head. Finally, after some smart fighting, Zahari Damyanov of Bulgaria won the top honour. This was a just outcome, as the winner showed tremendous grace and respect to all his opponents.
To me, the outcome of the tournament highlighted several aspects of good kumite. The most important is body conditioning – or the ability to withstand damage. In fact, most punches to the body and kicks to the outer thigh were not blocked but instead countered. Openings to attack are missed by focusing too much on defense. Secondly, good cardio cannot be understated – all of the great fighters appeared to have unlimited wind. And finally, proper technique separated the elite from the great.
In conclusion, I found the karate on display in Tokyo to be much more science than brawl. That proper training can overcome natural size and/or talent. This is great news! This means that anyone interested in advancing their kumite skills can become a good fighter given proper dedication and mindset. For anyone interested there are tremendous resources available within the Calgary Kyokushin Team as well as numerous tournaments in Western Canada. Hopefully, in the future I will be able to cheer for a Calgary dojo member competing at the World Tournament.
My first surprise was all the Canadian supporters – clearly displaying their Canada Kyokushin Karate jackets. Canada had a significant presence at the tournament. This included Sensei Brad who participated as a judge, and Sempai Mark, from Vancouver, who highlighted a strong contingent of Canadian fighters.
As the first day of the tournament progressed the number of Russian fighters was painfully obvious. Of the roughly 185 competitors I was told 38 were Russian. I was blown away by the calibre of Russian fighters, with only one lost match all day. To the amateur observer – myself included – after the first day it was difficult to believe anyone other than a Russian (or possibly Japanese) fighter would win the tournament.
The second day offered a steep leg up in match difficulty as elite fighters started being matched against one another. The reality of how strong and talented these competitors were was sobering. Core strength was on display as the incredible impact force of some strikes was incredible and hard to fathom - yet most victims didn’t even flinch! Sempai Mark fought a quality match against a tough Japanese opponent, but after an extension lost to the tie breaker. Unfortunately, no Canadian competitors would advance to Sunday.
The final day saw the top 32 contestants square off. It was readily apparent that all possessed the necessary strength to stand up to one another; so cardio and technique became the difference. As the last day of competition commenced, it seemed as if Russia would again claim top spot. However, going into the semifinals fatigue became a factor as the two fighters to advance were better able to stay in a proper stance. Though Sensei Brad always reminds students to remain in a good fighting stance the importance of this lesson became ingrained after watching these final matches. Not only were the fighters with a good stance able to throw more variation in techniques but they were also less susceptible to strikes – especially knees – to the head. Finally, after some smart fighting, Zahari Damyanov of Bulgaria won the top honour. This was a just outcome, as the winner showed tremendous grace and respect to all his opponents.
To me, the outcome of the tournament highlighted several aspects of good kumite. The most important is body conditioning – or the ability to withstand damage. In fact, most punches to the body and kicks to the outer thigh were not blocked but instead countered. Openings to attack are missed by focusing too much on defense. Secondly, good cardio cannot be understated – all of the great fighters appeared to have unlimited wind. And finally, proper technique separated the elite from the great.
In conclusion, I found the karate on display in Tokyo to be much more science than brawl. That proper training can overcome natural size and/or talent. This is great news! This means that anyone interested in advancing their kumite skills can become a good fighter given proper dedication and mindset. For anyone interested there are tremendous resources available within the Calgary Kyokushin Team as well as numerous tournaments in Western Canada. Hopefully, in the future I will be able to cheer for a Calgary dojo member competing at the World Tournament.
Updates:
Other info:
FREE concussion training available and encouraged for students and parents. Do YOU Know the symptoms?
