Memphis Jiyu Kumite Clinic & Tournament

I got picked up at 3am for our drive down to Memphis. Tournament day had begun!

Five of us in a car for seven and a half hours would be the first testament to how much our bodies could handle in the next couple of days.
I slept most of the ride over, although very uncomfortably, but it was not bad and what better way than to get close with my fellow karatekas than by being stuck with them for more than 36 hours?

We get there 5 minutes before practice begins. Just enough time to change into our kimonos (or guis) and for me to wrap up pretty much all of my toes to prevent blisters from emerging again (let me know if youd like to see those) aaaaand I’m ready!

We were close to 40 people. Some came all the way from Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Georgia. The day was broken down into 4 parts:

10 am - 12 pm: practice drills, three time sparring, closing in on an opponent, counter attacks.

After a quick warm up, the leader of the practice demonstrated three different kinds of attacks which included one lunge punch, a reverse punch followed by a front kick;  one lunge punch, a reverse punch followed by a round kick; and one lunge punch, a reverse punch followed by side thrust kick. Then we all paired up and practiced the three time sparring, distance and timing between opponents and counter attacks rotating many times so we were able to face everyone else in the group.

12 pm - 2 pm: Lunch break at CiCi’s Pizza! Finally got to meet some of the fellow SKA members, it was awkward to practice punches and kicks without even knowing their names. We talked about our karate history and had a prep talk about the imminent tournament.

2 pm - 4 pm: The seniors prepared the tournament brackets and offered contestants paper slips to draw for their opponents. The goal is to win two half-points in order to proceed to the next round.

 

There were four divisions:

Children's Division

Womens' Division

Men's White and Brown belts Division

Black belts Division

Children's Division



There were four kids taking part in the tournament: Three girls and a boy, all white belts. The girl who ultimately won first place was amazing. She was fierce and captured that spirit the seniors always talk about having. I am sure she will become even better in the future...will have to watch out for that one.

 Women's Division

There were five women participating. They will be named by their home state: 

Minnesota (brown belt), Indianapolis (brown belt), Atlanta (brown belt), Nebraska (black belt) and me(white belt)!

At this point, I am starting to panic a little and the restrooms become my best friend. After picking my paper slip, it said I was to go second against Minnesota. I was relieved not to go first so as to get a feel of how the first two girls fought and what techniques they used: more offensive techniques vs. defensive.

Atlanta was definitely more on the offense, she was going for it! I got to talk to her right before lunch and she is the sweetest person, she was very friendly and welcoming and encouraging too! She would joke around and was just a pleasure. It goes to show that appearances can be deceiving. In this first round however, Nebraska took the full point, making her the victor.

  

Now it is my turn, as I bow into the ring I look at Minnesota’s determined and stern face. Oooohh man, she wants a piece of me. As the round begins, I keep calm, and do not pay attention to anything outside of the blue scotch tape enclosing us. I remember to keep eye contact, but I don’t remember if she or I attack first and I do not remember who got the first half point. I do remember however, making a full contact punch to her face which I think I got a half point for and felt bad about. I win second round.

Third round is fellow Indy girl against Nebraska. I was rooting for Indy since I did not particularly want to go up against a black belt… I love how Indy is always so focused and will not ever drop her guard down. You are her prey and her eyes are locked onto you at all times. Not to mention how powerful her kiai is and how it fills up the room. Alas, this round went to Nebraska again. Although I have to say Nebraska looked very intimidating. She used feet hooks to destabilize her Atlanta opponent, was quick on her attacks and counter attacks and did I mention she’s a black belt? I did not pay too much attention to the match since I was still shaken up with nerves from mine. But as Nebraska claimed that one, I thought scoring a half a point would be challenging, I felt my adrenaline pump through my body and got excited and terrified at the same time. Let’s just get this over with!

  

Next round was for 3^rd place. It was against Indy and Minnesota. Indy won the full point, making her 3^rd.

Final women’s match -- going for 1^st and 2^nd place. I thought “I’m so happy I’m second no matter what! Haven’t done this in over 10 years and I’m second!? I could just forfeit and leave!”  Anyway, the yelling of the word “ HAJIME!” (Begin!) made me realize I had not forfeited.  I lock eyes with her, and I’d think of ways of striking without giving her too many opening for an effective counter attack. Meanwhile while I’m thinking about it, she hasn’t attacked either! We are both waiting on one of us to attack first. She more than likely studied me just like I studied her a few minutes ago. Oh boy. So she ends up attacking me and I counter attack. She scores half a point, and then I do. The winning point I believe was awarded after I did a side kick to prevent her from attacking. As we both bow out, I’m thinking nothing of it. Then it hit me. I had won and proceeded doing a happy dance in my head. It looked like this.

yikes

Indy vs. Minnesota

 Men’s white and brown belt division

Through the same process, the men fight.

The youngest one was 14 years old, a white belt. He’s tall and slender and has legs and arms that probably are 2 and 5 feet long respectively. He full on went in your face making his opponent step out of the ring. I was not sure if that was a good method of attack, as just flailing your arms around and running straight at soemone looked like you were inexperienced but then again other white belts did that too. So I guess it is inexperience and possibly lack of control.

  

Black belt Division

This was exciting! Again, I do not have all the media but will post when they are available.

Here are a few videos of Brad (part of Indy Shotokan Karate) and his opponent:

 

The 1st place winner for black belts was very impressive. His first match was won with a kick to his opponents head. The end. It lasted 3 seconds. 

At the end of the tournament every one lined up and the name of the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place from each division were called to be given medals. The victors then turned around to face the SKA members and bow to each other. I felt like a champion.

Once it was all over, everyone was invited for BBQ at the tournament’s leader’s house. We all feasted and gathered around each other, talked, laughed and praised one another. I had never met these people before but it felt like we’d known each other for years. I was surrounded by kind-hearted people full of enthusiasm and authenticity. I was complimented countless times to a point of bashfulness. As exhausted and drained as I was, I attempted to stay up as late as my body allowed me to, to stay with such great company.

I am now on a karate high and cannot wait for future events, future tournaments, special trainings, exchange practices. Anything that would bring us back together with SKA members. I found my second family!