On January 16 Kyokushin friends from around the province gathered in the beautiful Canadian Rockies once again for a fantastic day of competition hosted by Banff Kyokushin Karate. Sempais Daymon Miller and Julie Pecsi-Miller once again did not disappoint the competitors or spectators, filling the day with exciting matches and kata performed at all levels, from beginner to elite. The kata divisions of the morning showcased remarkable skill, as well as some more “interpretive” versions of our favourite katas. Some of the most exciting matches of the tournament took place first thing in the morning between the smallest competitors of the day! The skill and spirit displayed by the children’s knockdown divisions left our hearts pounding. As always, the youth knockdown divisions were a nail-biting affair with young men and women testing themselves in new frontiers of karate. It must be so challenging for them to have a new body, new height, new strength, and new opponents every time they attend a tournament! The day was rounded out with adult kata divisions packed to capacity with talent, and adult kumite matches that reminded us of the reasons that we do all this. When the day’s work was done, we gathered for a fun-filled Sayonara celebration with the Banff Kyokushin Karate club and all of its hardworking volunteers. Drinks flowed, plates filled, and well-deserved kudos and gratitude abound. Thank you once again the BKK for another fantastic day and weekend. We’re already looking forward to next year! Osu, Michelle Gillespie
