Competitions - 2004
Sensei Sabrina at The KWF World Cup - (17th - 19th Sept)
By Sensei Sabrina Collins
On the 16th – 22nd September I flew with members of the England squad to compete in the KWF World Cup in Tokyo, Japan. This was going to be an amazing experience and an honour to be selected and be able to compete in Japan, a dream come true. Being the first member of Luton dojo to go to Japan to train and compete, I was very anxious not knowing what to expect, but with the excitement and backing from the dojo I knew I would be fine.
Once arriving we went to the hotel and then were marched to the hombu dojo, which was around a two-mile walk. We took in the atmosphere of the dojo, the team got changed into our Gi’s and Sensei Sidoli took us through a slow training session.
While training Shihan Yahara and Shihan Isaka arrived at the dojo and they gave the England squad a warm welcome.
On the 17th and the 18th Of September the England squad members participated in training. The instructors of the World camp were Shihan Yahara, Shihan Isaka, Sensei Hozumi, Sensei Dorfman, Sensei Sidoli each teaching a different aspect of karate emphasising on the KWF dynamic style.
In between the training we were able to walk around Tokyo take in the scenery and to see the amazing culture of the Japanese.
We visited the gravestone of Funakoshi Gichin at the Enkaura- ji in Kamakura the founder of modern day karate, which we found quite an ery experience.
We also visited a samurai’s graveyard, which each grave is always kept tidy and special burners are always burning, which going round had a calming effect.
The competition was held on the 19th September, which I was competing in both Ladies Kata and Kumite. I was extremely nervous, but focused and was looking forward to the experience. During the train journey we had to sow our numbers to our Gi tops, (seen in picture) which helped as all relax. It was a long day, after losing in kata, I had to focus myself on my favourite event Kumite. Once in the kumite final there was a long wait, untill I was on, it was not till 9.30pm I was quite tired, but still eager to get going. After two difficult fights I was able to pull of a amazing fight and get a 3rd placing, and bring home a cup to the dojo. Shihan Yahara awarded me the trophy and certificate.
Other G.B members also achieved excellent results:
Sid Tadrist – 3rd Mens Kumite
Steven Edwards – 6th Mens Kata
Christina Traher – 4th Girls Kata (15-17 yrs)
(Well done to them all)
After the competition there was a small buffet laid out for everyone, and speeches made.
On the 20 – 21st September the Japanese members arranged a 2-day tour to Nikko, which was a lovely way to see more of the Japanese culture. I was looking forward to this trip, after a stressful few days, it was time to relax and enjoy my-self.
We were picked up at 8am and after a few hours drive the first stop on the tour was to Nikko Toushougu, which is describes as a World Heritage site since the year 1999.There were many amazing statues and buildings showing the wonderful Japanese workmanship styles.
In the next picture you can see Shihan Isaka taken some people around the sites.
During the bus rides we had the luxury (or earache) of karaoke on the bus, which I remained silence, not to scare anyone with my poor singing voice.
The next stop was the Keggon falls and the Chuzen lakes, which we were able to relax and have lunch. The Keggon falls were amazing and the lakes were beautiful and relaxing.
The hotel for the night was a beautiful Japanese style hotel called Ryokan, is probably one of the only places where visitors can feel the traditional style of Japanese home life. I shared a room with four female team members in which our rooms comprised of living and dining area during the day and as a bedroom at night. In the evening a maid laid out a four futons on the floor
(Mattress – Japanese style bedding) which were very comfortable to sleep on.
After having some Japanese tea I took advantaged of the hot springs at the hotel segregated by sexes, which is similar to a large bath with extremely hot spring water and salts. Once freshened up we all had to dress up in Yukatta (dressing gown) which is a traditional Japanese dress to join everyone for a meal and party. Traditional style foods were served up which consisted of a wide variety of small dishes with local specials. Some of the dishes served were sushi (raw fish), nabemono (meat, vegetables, fish boiled in a pot) that I particular didn’t enjoy due to being a fussy eater. After the meal this followed with karaoke (Japans favourite way of entertainment), a very relaxing evening.
I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing experience, and to be able to train, compete in Japan, and to win a 3rd placing is a dream come true. I hopefully will now be able to share my experiences to all the Luton Students and hopefully one day they will have a chance to visit Japan and have their dreams come true.
