This past weekend, Team Meibukan students from London and Markham highlighted their expertise at an AAU Karate competition in New York State. The event was a hosted by Sensei Matt Dorsey of Martial Art America – Rochester Karate on November 23rd, 2008. It was supported by many local dojos within the area as well as Sensei Dave Oddy of Syracuse Jundokan. Team Meibukan – Canada did well returning home with new medals and lessons learned but mostly meeting new friends.
The weekend’s Team Meibukan podium results were outstanding with multiple medals earned by every athlete – as well as some serious bruises. Team Meibukan shines with their Kata performance but is still working hard polishing their Kumite curriculum. Despite this challenge we made podium in kata, kobudo, and kumite. Here are the results.
Adam Roberts – Gold in Kata, Gold in Kobudo, Silver in Kumite
Andrew McAdam-Wong – Gold in Kata, Gold in Kobudo, Silver in Kumite
Kiana Wong – Gold in Kata, Gold in Kumite
Mitchell Fall – Bronze in Kata, Silver in Kobudo, 4th in Kumite.
As the coach, I was very happy to see Andrew podium in Kumite after competing against the regional champion. Kiana went from just punching blindly to punching accurately which earned her Gold. Both Adam and Mitchell improved their kata to a winning podium performance. Overall the athletes not only tested their skill but also their spirit in this event.
Team Meibukan’s experience with the AAU last spring was a positive one. The coaches, athletes, and referees were considerate and caring. Sensei Dorsey is the Niagara region’s chief and last weekend’s event only re-enforced the AAU Karate’s Niagara Region’s commitment to the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship. AAU Karate is a competition oasis that fits somewhere between the free-spirited open circuit and the very competitive WKF league. It is a good avenue for Karate athletes to begin a competitive career.
AAU stands for American Athletic Union and being Canadian means that we needed the assistance of an American to helps us through this process. Dave Oddy of Syracuse Jundokan was a valuable asset in mentoring us. He recently returned form Okinawa and Tokyo and reported that Canada’s Nassim Varasteh’s and Saeed Baghbani’s podium performance were spectacular. Also, Okinawa has begun to advertise their World Karate and Kobudo Tournament in a big way. “There were posters everywhere” said Oddy when referring Okinawa’s Seikai Taikai.
Team Meibukan believes in the power of positive relationships. Sensei Dave Oddy and Matt Dorsey continually demonstrate care and devotion to their students and athletes. It is infectious and is seen throughout the attendees of the tournament. Team Meibukan members report to having a great time and look forward to future events.
