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
Rob DeAngelis brought a good team from Buckingham Pennsylvania. He stated he enjoys Hiraldo’s event and his competitors were doing very well. He operates a successful fitness studio and a karate school at the Solebury Club. It was good to see members of the AJKA at this competition. Rob will be sharing more about his school and center with us.
Cleve Baxter headed up the officials and there was good support with many in attendance which always helps to make an event run smoothly. Cedric Barksdale, Georges Aschkar were among many from the NYTKL on hand to help out.
Young Destiny Vergara was a stand out as she earned two large first place trophies early. She politely went and thanked many of the officials and coordinators before leaving. Seeing courtesy from and young competitor reminds us of why we are involved in this art.
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There were many youngsters in attendance and seeing them in action, there was a clear improvement in kumite skills as you could see youngsters moving in and out and circling with foot work once only found in the likes of John Fonseca and George Kotaka. Jodan kicks, foot sweeps and throws are all part of the routine. Karate is evolving as is evident by the skill sets being displayed by the karateka. Excellent Kata skills were performed in the youth divisions. This event drew competitors from different leagues where one young fellow provided a great deal of excitement with spectacular kicking skills akin to what you may find in the open circuit with high jumping spinning techniques he surprised the audience.
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Brian Ramrup a very exciting dynamic competitor provided excellent examples of kicking and takedowns. Both Brian and his younger brother Raj are turning up the volume here in NY. They are consistently pushing the limits with skills and enthusiasm. The camaraderie among the young athletes is on the rise. Robert Bronisevsky himself a former top European competitor in the 80's and 90's now an official is working with young Vadim Maskalenko an athlete with a great deal of potential. We believe you will be hearing more about Vadim.
Finally as we see more of our senior competitors now attending with their children. It is a reminder we have been attending tournaments at Elmcor since the late 90’s. For us American Samurai this was a family day out with my wife and my son and his wife we all enjoyed warm hospitality at this super friendly event plus wonderful Hispanic food. Thank you so much to Ramon Hiraldo for inviting us to his event, a tournament enjoyed by all.
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