Kenryukan Travels to Balitmore

On April 2, a substantial group of karateka travelled to Maryland for the 9th Annual Watanabe-ha Invitational Tournament.

The group was led by Hanshi, Shihan Brian, Shihan Vincent, Shihan Troy, Renshi Big Al, Sensei Jim, Sensei Angel, Sensei Doro, Nidans Jason, Kevin, Nazir, Annette, Nelson, Marc, Nelson, Shodan Joe, and Kohai Eileen.

The following students attended, competed in either: kata, shiai and or weapons or in any combination.  Clearly they did a great job. Each and every student did their absolute best from basic kata to more advanced kata, from weapons forms to shiai.

A special weapons demonstration was given by Nidan Nelson.  His skill also manifested itself later in the day when he took first place in weapons forms and kata forms. 

Each student showed the discipline and respect that good karateka should have.  While one student in particular did not win a physical award for spirit, Akshay Sampath won the respect of many for his willingness to assist throughout the event without being asked.  He won more than a trophy, he won respect.

Special congratulations to Marco Gutierrez for winning the Adult Spirit Award.

I would like to thank all the black belts who came and assisted.  They showed and maintained the reputation that our school has developed for close to four decades.  Thanks to the parents and guests who came and also assisted in this event.

Click here to see more pictures. 

Congratulations to all.

Hanshi