The American Shukokai Karate Union sent thirty-nine competitors to Jarvenpaa, Finland this past June to compete in the Kimura Shukokai International Karate Tournament. Held every other year, this tournament, which takes place in a different host country each time, attracts Kimura Shukokai students from all over the world.

Over 550 competitors from nineteen countries participated this year, coming from as far away as India, Australia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and New Zealand as well as from all over Europe and Canada. Shihan Bill Bressaw worked the American team especially hard in the months leading up to the tournament, and the intensity of their training was evident by the strength of the American team’s outstanding results.

The week started with a full day of Gashuku: this training session, which helped everyone limber up after a lengthy trip, was led by the top four KSI Shihans, and concluded with the promotions of several sixth Dan Black Belts to Seventh Dan. Opening ceremonies the following morning ushered in three full days of competition. United States team members as well as family and friends who traveled with the team created an unimaginable excitement and spirit at the stadium which helped everyone compete at their very best. The long days of competition moved along at a fast clip as the USA team came out on top in one event after another. Last minute coaching gave us that final confidence to bring home the gold. The United States team had its best showing ever: USA took Gold in many events, including Women’s Individual and Team Kumite, Girls’ Individual Kumite, and Boys’ Individual Kata. Silver and Bronze medals were also earned by many on the USA team as well, including Women’s Team Kumite, Women’s Individual Kata and Kumite, Men’s Veteran Kata and Kumite, Boys’ Kata and Girls’ Kata and Kumite. Several of the matches came down to Americans vying against each other for first and second place, including Women’s Team Kumite, Women’s Individual Kumite, and Girls’ Individual Kumite age 18 -20.

In the end, it was the American women who earned the respect and envy of instructors from around the world. More than once, their incredible performance was lauded by the other world chief instructors, who were impressed with the women’s first and second place showings in three separate events. The incredible display of strength and skill by ASKU’s youth also did not go unnoticed: their ability is a testament to the fact that American Shukokai is growing and thriving, and its future is assured.

American referees were praised for their skills as well. During a fast-paced tournament, where points are often scored in rapid succession, tournament officials were impressed with the fairness of the USA judging in both Kumite and Kata. Unlike competitors, who were only on the floor during their event, the referees spent the entire day on the floor judging one match after another. Their ability to focus and make fair calls for ten to twelve hours a day over three days was greatly appreciated by both competitors and spectators alike.

The event concluded with a huge party and celebration at Helsinki’s state-of-the-art Science Museum. This beautiful venue was all the more enchanting and fun in a land where the sun barely sets near the summer solstice. At midnight the party was in full swing as the sun still hung low in the sky, dipping down only briefly for a short twilight before rising again. A buffet dinner was followed by hours of music and dancing as everyone had a chance to explore the hands-on museum and try out some of its great exhibits, including a bungie trampoline jump and a high-wire bicycle that only the bravest (and youngest!) dared to try.

As the party wound down in the early hours of the morning, the sun was already shining brightly as the revelers headed back to the hotel. As always, everyone who is a part of KSI put competition aside after the tournament’s conclusion to enjoy each others’ company in a spirit of friendship among people who share a common goal: the practice and perfection of Kimura Shukokai Karate.

Most of the team spent their last day before returning to the States exploring Helsinki, Finland’s beautiful, historic capital, while enjoying each others’ company and that of friends made from around the globe. The weather was perfect for enjoying a day of well-earned relaxation, and Finland proved to be both a beautiful country and a fabulous host for an exciting, well-run and successful tournament.

Get ready for Switzerland in 2008!