On January 27, the 2016 US Weight Category tournament was held in Los Angeles California. The day before the event an officiating clinic was hosted. This year there were only 12 officials available on tournament day, which made the day very busy. After the officiating clinic a training seminar was conducted with Shihan Gorai from the New York Branch and our very own Shihan Corrigal. Kihon, Ido geiko, Kata and Self-defence were covered in the training session. The tournament was held once again at the Artani theatre in the district of Little Tokyo. The tournament, which offered Kata and IKO Knockdown divisions for all ages. Though numbers were less than usual competitors gave it their all and showed great technique and spirit which made for a very exciting day. This year Spencer Gillespie from our Calgary competed as well as three other from Western Canada including Ana Feher (Edmonton) , Kaylene Albert (Armstrong) and Tanner Nordin (Port Coquitlam). Each competitor gained a tremendous amount of experience and had a great time. After the event a Sayonora party was held at the tournament hotel. A great time was had by all with Sushi prepared by the best sushi chef in Los Angeles. A big thank you goes to Shihan Taku Nakasaka and the IKO for continually hosting a great event and to the IKOK-C for the opportunities it continually provides for its members. Osu
