34TH KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tekki Shodan in the Shitei-gata eliminations

Over the weekend the 34th JKA (Japan Karate Association) Kumamoto Prefecture Championships were held in Tamana-Shi.

Result: YUSHO!!! – Kumamoto Prefecture Men’s Individual Kata Champion!!!

Actually, the Shototakuhiro Dojo (JKA Kumamoto Chuo Shibu) won a total of eight medals at the prefecture championships: Five gold, two silver, and one bronze. Of course, the real thrill is to see these youngsters and their talent. Here is a list of the club members who won titles and/or placed:

Kento Hiyoshi – Elementary School 4^th Grade Boys Individual Kata – Champion

Shiki Uchida – Junior High School 1st Grade Boys Individual Kata – Champion

Hyuga Takamori – Junior High School 2nd Grade Boys Individual Kata – Champion

Aiko Omori – Elementary School 5^th Grade Girls Individual Kata – Champion and 3rd Place Individual Kumite

Saki Hirai – Elementary School 5^th Grade Girls Individual Kata – 2nd Place and 2nd Place Individual Kumite

André Bertel – Men’s Individual Kata – Champion

Heian yondan in the shitei-gata eliminations

I’d especially like to offer my thanks to Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan for this title which, after nearly a decade, will be my last serious competition. Osu, André

© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2015).



Gojushiho Dai in the final

Gojushiho Dai Kata - Kentsui hasami uchi

It is very hard to win in Japan, especially for foreigners. A gaikokujin winning at prefectural level here is unprecedented.

The Shototakuhiro Dojo (JKA Kumamoto Chuo) Team.