9th Legend Open Karate Championships:
Saturday 7th March 2009

Congratulations to the following Karateka:

Dean Wilson: 3rd place, Junior 8th- 4th Kyu Individual Sanbon Kumite category
Rian Smeaton: 3rd place, Junior black & brown belt Individual Sanbon Kumite category (under 12's)
Thomas Dedman: 3rd place, Junior black & brown belt Individual Freestyle Kumite category (12- 13 years)

We went along to the 9th Legend Championships today in the hope that, as this was the Tokon Academy Karate programme's first outing to a serious Karate competition we may come away with a placing somewhere across the day. Having said that it was NOT to be expected and you were NOT to feel disappointed by not getting a placing. What we did achieve was three outstanding performances from three of the junior squad members who did themselves, your parents, the academy and me (your instructor) very proud indeed.

There were many very harsh, subjective and frustrating decisions across the day (many of which meant members from our academy lost out on a place: Dean Wilson was robbed and should have been crowned Champion) I am happy to say that these dubious decisions made by the 'referee's' were outweighed by our members being beaten fair and square by better competitors on the day and whilst we can only get frustrated at decisions they must be left at the venue and the issues of being beaten at the 'game' are what need addressing the next time the junior squad convenes. Organisation of the day left a little to be desired as one event continued over a period of four and a half hours and left many competitors and spectators puzzled and bemused as well as tired for later in the day but as I have already stated let's leave the criticisms and frustrations in Bracknell and move forward.

Whilst there were some better prepared, more experienced and better seasoned juniors at the competition not one academy could better the Tokon Academy juniors for attitude, sportsmanship and well drilled professionalism throughout the whole day - YOU DID ME PROUD! Whilst you don't win medals and trophies for attitude and character it takes you a long way down the road of becoming a good martial artist.

Those of you in the Sanbon Kumite raised the roof with you Kiai and attack announcements (all eyes where literally on you) and I was surprised we didn't get at least the 2nd and joint 3rd's in both categories. There were some very unfortunate draws: Joshua Sellicks vs. Archie Strath and Dean Wilson vs. Archie Strath are just two examples but hey, let's learn and move on.

Where do we go from here?

Today when things didn't go our way my excuse to you was that the other 'kid' had more experience and or was far more seasoned than you. What else could I say? Next time I won't need to say that, as the outcome will be different. Now you have a greater understanding of what is required, what the standard benchmark (per event) should be and where you as individual are in the pecking order of others of the same grade.

Think like this: "This time we traveled hoping, next time we go expecting"...

Three thirds is better than I could ever expect today so well done but let's not rest on our laurels and excel at the next opportunity. Today our Kumite was good and far surpassed our Kata performances; we MUST tighten your Kata and bring it into line with your Kumite levels. Once this is done the Tokon Academy (you lot) will be a force to be reckoned with and any championships.
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Next Karate Championships:
Shobu Ippon International Shotokan Open 2009
The Guildford Spectrum,
Parkway,
Guildford,
Surrey GU1 1UP

Saturday 9th May 2009
http://www.shobu-ippon.com

All squad members will be required to attend, next squad session will be Saturday 4th April 09 at Broom Village hall from 10am (more info to follow).

Kindest regards,
Dave
Head Coach
The Tokon Academy