The 3rd Otosan International Karate Cup

By Bill Bly

Sensei Javier Mantilla hosted the 3rd Otosan event in New York City. Gauchos Gym in the Bronx was a convenient location where more than 250 competitors were in attendance. New York karate events consistently attract 220 plus competitors so it was not a surprise to see the venue full with a large number of spectators on hand to enthusiastically cheer on the athletes.

There were more than a dozen countries in attendances as we could see athletes from Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA and Venezuela. An event in NYC that attracts international competitors is a great opportunity for local athletes to test their skills against some of the best from other countries.

February 26, 2010

Shihan Serge Clark Chief instructor of OKINAWA karate KOBUDO kai hosted the 6th karate KOBUDO championships on January 31, 2010. Since moving to long island, New York from the beautiful state of Hawaii 12 years ago, Shihan Clark has hosted six tournaments in the New York area. As a trade mark the tournament stated right on time at 9:00 am sharp. The national anthem was playing as the crowds were finding there way into the Elmcor gym located in Corona Queens. The few who were not use to tournaments starting on time were disappointed; when they arrived late and discover that there divisions already went.

WSKF News

The newly refurbished Edmonds Community College gym was filled with 250 competitors from 40 different dojos for Washington State Karate-do Federation’s 2010 Invitational Tournament and USA-NKF Qualifier.  This event, which is reputed to be one of the best regional karate tournaments in the country, continues to draw top competitors and teams from across the USA and British Columbia.  Greatly improved spectator seating, enhanced lighting, a freshly finished hardwood floor and new WSKF competition mats provided a perfect venue for the competition.

Of course any event like this requires a lot of help to get off the ground and we are very thankful to have a superb group of volunteers in registration, admissions, concessions, staging, score keeping, security, medical, and food services.  

By Bill Bly

Ramon Hiraldo held his 15th annual karate-do championship at the Elmcor center in Corona Queens, NY. With approximately two hundred competitors in attendance the event ran smoothly as many enjoyed the competition and were also planning for the Superbowl Sunday Activities.

This event attracted officials from Texas, Louisiana and the surrounding states of the NY metropolitan area, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Perhaps it would be correct to say freinds from around the country came together to help out at this event. Hiraldo's event draws not only nationally but he has had good international support.

Link to award photos