On the weekend I was invited to the Japan Karate Shotorenmei Nakatsu Cup. It was a great honor to once again be asked to referee by Tachibana Shihan (JKS 8th Dan), which I did throughout the competition. Divisions included team and individual kata, kumite and kurumaisu (wheelchair) kata.Enbu: In addition to being a shimpan I was suddenly asked to do an embu (demonstration) in the opening ceremony. The other two enbu were dantai (synchronized/team) kata. First up was Hangetsu and this was followed by demonstration of its applications, which was thoroughly performed. Next was a nice performance of Nirin dai (the second of Asai Sensei's wheelchair kata). And lastly, I individually performed Raiko kata.
Surprise-surprise… Next enbu starting from…now! Later on I was surprised again, when my body was completely cold (as I had been judging kata non-stop for a few hours). I was asked to do another koten-kata, but this time I had to do it immediately, no practice and no warm-up! Even though I couldn’t do my best Kakuyoku-nidan, I enjoyed the pressure of having to demonstrate on the spot. One thing I really like about Tachibana Shihan is that his karate is first and fore mostly a ‘Martial Art’... "No time for warming up and rehearsal if suddenly attacked!"
For the rest of the day I refereed shobu ippon kumite, and enjoyed some good fights. The best part of the competition for me was the excellent reigi-saho displayed by all of the competitors and officials. I also enjoyed meeting and socializing with several senior JKS instructors from other parts of Kyushu.
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Again I have to give my utmost thanks to Tachibana Shihan and the members of JKS Oita Sohonbu for a great day of karate - Osu!
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