USKK Open Tournament in Jacksonville, Illinois was my first time at an open tournament as a competitor. I must admit I was a bit confused with the rules, in that the groin area was a legitimate target and the amount of contact allowed was somewhat 'light'. Rayn Barnes was disqualifed (again) for excessive contact which I thought was bit harsh.
Having said that, we came away with a good few medals. Hopefully we will reciprocate the invitation and have them compete at our next tournament. |
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| Study in concentration, Allie Stufflebeam tied for first place in kata and came up and nailed Heian Nidan to win the division from Brian Shimchick by two tenths of a point. |
Brian Shimchick came a very close second in the kata division. Although I'm glad to say our club got first and second, there is always room for improvement. |
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| Team Line-up. L-R. Sean, Drew, Ryan, sensei Thompson, Carl, Hollis, Allie, C.J., Katie, J.D., Steve, Brian, Dane, Nathan, Ben. |
Another nice picture, this time of J.D.Vandenberg mid kata...Tekki Shodan I believe. |
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| Drew competing in kata with Bassai Dai. |
Tiny Tiger - Dane Moats performing his kata Taikyoku Shodan. |
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| Some old guy who keeps turning up at these events doing a sai kata 'Ni Cho Zai'. Shotokan is not well known for it's sai kata which is just as well for me. |
Nathan Cooper who comes to our 'Tiny Tigers' is always game for a competition. |
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