Shobu Ippon International Karate Open 2009:
Saturday 9th May 2009

Congratulations to the following Karateka:

Rian Smeaton: 3rd place, Junior brown & black belt Individual Kumite category (under 5')
Rian Smeaton: 3rd place, Junior brown belt Individual Kata category (under 5')

On Sunday 9th May 2009 the Tokon Academy travelled to the Shobu Ippon International Shotokan Open off of the back of a great performance at our last outing (the 9th Legend Open Karate Championships) back in March where, what was our juniors first major championships, we scooped 3 third place finishes. Expectations were high with an aim of coming home with a total of five medals [one of which a first place]. Despite the juniors efforts, unfortunately the tally was not met but for a bigger, more professionally run event the Tokon Academy juniors did themselves and everyone associated very proud.

The day started bang on time and this set the tone for the rest of the event which was run very efficiently indeed. From the start it was obvious that the standard of competing Karateka was very high indeed with contingents from Norway, Wales and the Netherlands as well as the usual teams sent courtesy of Malcolm Phipps' Sei Shin Kai association, the SEKU squad and the Academy of Shotokan Karate.

The Kata event was held first and the Tokon juniors had some good accounts but on the flip side experienced some unlucky draws [against the competition's eventual champions]. The Kata demonstrated by our squad were good at times but some silly mistakes coupled with high stances cost us against juniors we should have beaten. Rian Smeaton had a good day in the Kata event taking a 3 rd place in the boys 3 rd Kyu and above event where his Heian Nidan narrowly missed out on silver (loosing by 0.3 points).

This 3rd place from Rian was a welcome reward for the hard work we have put into developing our tournament Kata potential since the last championships. All three third places came from Kumite last time so well done Rian. What was evident back in March was our comparably weak stances compared to the winners so this has been a focus over the last few sessions, this time around the difference was marginal but now it seems another area requires attention - our Kata timing. We'll adjust this accordingly for all the Kata ahead of the next championships.

After a short break the Kumite was started, once again the juniors from the Tokon Academy put on some great fights. Thomas Dedman and Adam Weeks reached the quarter final on their mat, whilst Russ and Rian Smeaton, Noah Humphreys, Sam Price, Joshua Sellicks and George Costin all jostled for places in the final on their respective mat. Joshua Sellicks was a little unlucky as it seemed the smallest competitor on his mat (himself) was paired against possibly the tallest - unlucky Josh.

Adam Weeks pulled out what could possible be described as the surprise of the day from our academy. After I had screamed at him to stick to his basic Kizami tsuki, Gyaku tsuki combination all day long he completely ignored me and with about 15 seconds to go and being half a point down pulled out a great Mawashi Geri Jodan (much to the surprise of everyone except Adam) to win by Ippon - thanks for not listening Adam.

Once again though the day went to Rian Smeaton, after some great performances and beating some tough, potential winners on his area Rian was forced to fight team mate Sam Price for fourth place (both Rian and Sam lost to the eventual champion) and after beating Sam to a full point took 3rd place in the Kumite as well as the Kata - well done Rian!

What was evident for me as a coach (and maybe something we need to address) is the fact that we must be 'switched on' as competitors as soon as our name is called. On a number of occasions I watched as our juniors were left standing after the referees called 'hajime' to start each Kumite bout. It was obvious that the more seasoned competitors had noticed this and took the fight [very quickly] to our squad member and in that stole an easy half point (Waza Air) or worse full Ippon.

What sets Shobu Ippon rules apart from the WKF version of Karate rules is the quickness in which bouts can be concluded. With WKF Karate you have a relative amount of time to become accustomed to your opponent and their way of moving. Shobu Ippon is really an exercise in who reacts first and if you are not switched on you will always come off second best. With the route to a winning full point so short all competitors must understand that tactics play a huge role in winning the bout - again something we need to address at the next squad session (Saturday 6th June 2009).

Congratulations must be sent to all of you squad members for attending the day. Well done those of you that tried the Kumite section for the first time and do not be too down beat by not doing as well as you thought at your first attempt. Thank you to all the parents who once again supported the Tokon Academy and travelled down to Guildford en mass, without you all the academy would be nothing. Finally, huge congratulations to Rian Smeaton who was the sole medallist representing our elite performance programme. While we did not come back with the predicted 5 places the day was great, two 3rd places at a championships with such a high standard says a lot especially as you have been training half as long as most of those at the event.

On a final note, as I left the arena I bumped into one of the organisers who had noticed me coaching our squad whilst they competed. Recognising the Tokon Academy badge from all the juniors he asked who we were and how impressed he was by our juniors' attitude throughout the day and the fact that we had all warmed up together before the Kata event and once again outside as a team before the Kumite portion. His exact words were that our juniors "acted like mini adults with great respect for everyone and everything before and after each Kata/fight!" When I mentioned that it was only your second championships he was amazed.

Well done all of you!
Dave