28 January, 2018 On Sunday January 28, Kyokushin competitors from around North America and countries as far away as Japan and Reunion came to Los Angeles California to compete in a high caliber tournament: the U.S Weight Category Championships. The event consisted of both kata and kumite divisions. The best competitors from around North America come to display their talent. As the day went on, fans and competitors were surprised by a special appearance of actor Michael Jai White, who trains Kyokushin karate himself. After an amazing display of kata came the children’s kumite (fighting) and the adult kumite preliminary divisions. Children from the ages of 5 to 15 were divided into divisions based on age, and wore gloves, shin pads and headgear. Fighters over the age of 15 had no gear other than groin protection and mouth guards. Due to the intense nature of a tournament hearts were pounding and adrenaline was going wild, but once you bow into the ring everything goes away and the only thing you can think about is the match you are about to enter. After all the preliminary rounds came the lunch break, with just enough time to have a break and get ready for the main events in the afternoon. Once we returned from a delicious lunch provided for all competitors and volunteers, the audience was treated to a Kyokushin demonstration including impressive board, ice and bat breakings and some basic kihon. Then it was time for the finals. We got to our seats and the competition continued. The children’s final rounds were completed before the adult divisions which reminded us of why we train hard. Many of our Canadian competitors competed in the afternoon and did extremely well. The tournament ended with the awards ceremony where Shihan Stuart, Shihan Gorai and Michael Jai White presented all the awards. After the tournament was a sayonara party in our hotel, where we enjoyed delicious fresh sushi made by the best sushi chef in Los Angeles. Later in the night, Shihan Gorai took the mic and discussed the importance of passing on the Kyokushin way and acknowledging the people who have trained before us. At this time Shihan Gorai presented Shihan Stuart with a surprise cake to celebrate Shihan Stuarts 50th year training Kyokushin karate. The sayonara party ended but the Canadians did not! We continued the party in our hotel rooms for an extra few hours until we decided to call it a night and headed back to our room to get a good night’s sleep before our flight home the next morning. I am extremely thankful I was able to participate in this amazing tournament. I am already excited to compete again in the following years! Osu, Spencer Gillespie
