Just got back to Calgary from a wonderful weekend of karate in Burlington. The event gets bigger and better and the level of competition higher each year. The family kata is new and fun, families do karate together and spend quality time practising together - what a new approach.
The black belt fighting is tough but friendly, hard but controlled, at times painful but rewarding.
I witnessed many new, young up and coming karateka with good skill sets at a very young age , so I am looking forward to the new generation to bring us to the new level and make us proud as teachers and parents.
On a personal note , it was the first time I stepped in the same ring as a teammate with Jody after teaching her all these years and joined by my wife Bea in a family kata was a special treat for me indeed .
Many thanks to Sensei Adi and Sensei Nakamura and all the IOGKF members and family members for all their time and effort on putting this together, without you guys , none of these can happen .
Thank you again on a spectacular tournament.
David Ching - Shubukan Calgary
How better to describe it than…….WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!!Everyone was pumped and ready to give a great show. The team from Ishigogyou dojo was there in full force, from the youngest of the young to the youngest of heart. The environment was crazy exciting as we all prepared to do our very best.
Being this was our very first tournament, we were uncertain what to expect. Needless to say everyone had a great time and it was a real pleasure to watch each and every karate ka take part. The day was packed with non-stop competition in each of the three rings and was something we be a part of. Meeting new people from all over Canada, and to speak with many of the kids as they described how excited they were in their progress and development of their karate skills. We are looking forward to the next great event.
A big thank you to Obusan for keep us all organized and in the right place at the right time. Also a very big thank you to all of those that helped to organize the overall event and provide us with such a wonderful experience.
From the Harvey Family.
Arigato Gozamashita
Onegaishimasu Nakamura Sensei
It is with great pleasure that I am the bearer of excellent feedback from participants and families. I was approached by many who complimented how the tournament was being run. It was good to see many families of IOGKF under the same roof experiencing competition with such ease and finesse. Many smiles and laughter rang throughout the Holiday Inn and many helping hands made this event a great success.
This was of course our largest tournament to date and it was a very well organized event and this showed Sunday Oct 18th 2009 as many participants experienced our 8th Annual Friendship Tournament which included our American family. Thanks to Sensei Adi and all others at SHODOKAN DOJO who made this large event such a well organised event.
Everyone had a role to play in this event and this is what makes IOGKF a different and unique organization as it puts FAMILY first and foremost. We build friendships everytime we get together.
Domo Arigato to all the Yudansha who were there to support each other. It felt very good to see our IOGKF family take part on such a large scale in competition.
Domo Arigato
Ishi Gogyou Dojo
Sensei Tirrell Hill , Sensei Tyrone Hill
Sandra Hill
Onegaishimasu Nakamura Sensei,
This was my third trip to the Friendship Tournament but the first time with my own students participating.
At our Monday night class, the participants displayed their medals to the other students and talked about the fun and excitement of the tournament. We will have more participation next year.
I want to thank all who organized and help run the program, especially the ‘handlers’ who had to round up the participants for each event.
Friendship is in deed the key word for this tournament, as I observed smiles on the faces of all participants regardless of their placement in competition. I am confident this tournament will continue to grow in success.
Ed Bowker
Kokoro Tanren Dojo
Buffalo NY
Onegaishimasu
Thank-you all for the time and dedication you put into today's events. We all had a great time and I know I definitely took a lot home in the form of experience. It was an adventure to say the least. I so appreciate the dedication and preparation over the past few weeks. I along with my children are moving to the next level of commitment - work hard, set new goals and achieve higher!!!! Last line of the Dojo Kun "Futo fukutsu no seishin o yashinau koto.".
Arigato Gozaimashita.
M. Laita
Ishi Gogyou Dojo
THE SZYIKO FAMILY JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A GREAT TOURNAMENT AND ALL YOUR HARD WORK. WE LOVED BEING A PART OF THE EXPERIENCE. SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR! JK. Szyiko, Shudokan
Onegaishimasu
Just wanted to let you know what a great time Matthew had at the IOGKF Friendship Tournament! It was great to see our Sempai and Sensei in competition, and to see the man who is their Sensei. Nakamura Sensei’s demonstration at the opening ceremonies was amazing!
This was our first experience with a karate tournament and we were not sure what to expect. The tournament was quite well run, and all the participants seemed to be having a great time! It was great to see everyone proudly wearing their medals and congratulating each other on their accomplishments!
We are proud of how Matthew did, and he was proud to represent Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts!
Thanks!
C. Arceneaux
Onegaishimasu
I will like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for a job well done in organizing this tournament and running it in a such professional way, I will like to take this opportunity to thank Sensei and Sempai and Obusan for a job well done in teaching our kids and pushing them to the limit so they can stand out in tournament such as the one we attended today, most important for teaching them discipline ,self-control, respect and passion for the martial arts, once again I will like to thank Ishi Gogyou Dojo for giving my son the chance to show and put in practice what he has learned throughout the years thank you. Dom has received one Gold medal, and two participations medals.
YOURS TRULY:
The CAPILONGO’S FAMILY
My experience at the tournament was great! First I practiced with my team from ISHI GOGYOU DOJO so we could get ready for team kata that was coming up. When we got in the ring to do are team kata we tried are best and came in 4'th place. Next I played air hockey then it was time for individual kata. I came in 4'th place again I thought I could do better. Next I practiced sparring with my dad. When I got ready I faced a brown belt. I tied with mark in fourth place .overall I had a great time.
Best Regards,
M.I. A. Bhatti
Onegaishimasu
To everyone at the Ishi Gogyou Dojo, I wish to thank all of you for the wonderful experience that we had at the friendship tournament that my son Brandon and I attended this past weekend. Everyone that we met was so pleasent and helped make our time there very enjoyable,and I wish to send out a special thank you to the Hill family for all their help. They have always treated my family with the utmost respect and kindness. And even though things got a little hectic this weekend,once again congrats on your success.
Rob and Brandon proud members of the Ishi Gogyou Dojo
Sincerly
R. Osterhout.
Onegaishimasu,
We just wanted to provide some feedback on the recent tournament. This was the first tournament that our children participated in since joining Ishi Gogyou dojo. My daughter Morgan, was very nervous at the thought of demonstrating her Kata in front of a large group. The friendly, relaxed nature of the judges and the tournament overall really helped her feel more comfortable. She came second in her group and was very happy and proud to have been a part of it.
My son Ryan, also competed in the tournament and the judges were very encouraging. He also placed second in his division and was very proud. He looks forward to the next event where he can try to place first.
Overall, it was a positive experience for our children.
Heather
Onegaishimasu Sensei Nakamura,
It was very excited that our Family was able to participate in the 2009 Friendship Tournament. We started off our day by participating together in Family Kata which the kids loved!!
I was also able to watch the kids in almost all of their events as well and I know they had a great day. We received some very valuable feedback from all the Sensei that were there. From competing myself this year I found it doesn't matter what age you are it takes courage to get up and show what you know. But I found there are still butterflies!!!
I know for the kids and myself as in the past few tournaments it is always an amazing thing to be able to watch the Sensei perform their Kata and to watch the Iri Kumi! Our kids very much look up to Sensei Hill and consider it an honour to have the other Sensei give them such encouragement at this event.
I saw an incredible amount of growth and maturity with our kids this year, as well as celebrating with the many participants from our Dojo. All of us had the opportunity to meet many great people from other Dojo's.
You should be proud of another year of bringing all the Dojo's together. It was a great event and our kids are already talking about the next one!!!
With Warmest Regards,
Arigato Gozaimashita,
The Lyttle Family, Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts Education
Onegaishimasu,
Congratulations on a successful tournament! Jake finished first in his division (age four), and we are extremely proud to see his hard work and practice pay off.
As this was our first exposure to a martial arts tournament, we were very happy with the experience. I am sure a big part of this was due to the success Jake achieved; which is a testament to him, his Sensei Tyrone Hill and the Ishi Gogyou Dojo. Also, a big thanks to Sensei Tirrell Hill, and Obusan as they both spent time working with Jake to develop his confidence and strengthen his skills.
When we talked to Jake after the tournament, we asked him if he had fun and if he would like to go into another tournament. His response with no hesitation was "yes".
The opening ceremonies and demonstrations were great! The demonstrations were eye opening for us and Jake, to see what children at such a young age can accomplish. The strength, focus, discipline and confidence that these children possess is quite impressive.
As Jake is only four years old (and again his first experience in a competitive situation, with a room full of strangers no less), we were quite happy on how he, and the other children were handled by the Sensei judges. They created a comfortable and relaxed environment in which the kids were able to perform and have fun.
Our only disappointment was that the facility was not large enough to handle all of the competitors and spectators at the same time. It would have been great if Jake could have stayed to watch some of the older and more experienced competitors.
Thank you for a excellent event, we look forward to seeing you at the next one...
Sincerely,
Paul & Cara V., & Jake too!
Onegaishimasu Sensei, Obusan and Sempai,
We wanted to provide some feedback regarding the IOGKF Karate Tournament held in Burlington on October 18, 2009.
Teresa and I felt that the tournament was very well organized. The flow of events throughout the day was smooth and without delay or incident. The judges were very professional and fair, which is important in these events so that the younger students don't feel discouraged.
The opening ceremony and demonstrations were a treat, however, it would be nice to see each Dojo have the opportunity to show their colours. The black belt competitions were extremely exciting and informative for the lower ku belts!
The venue was accommodating for the most-part, however, I feel that if we continue to grow, there will be a need for a larger venue to serve both the students and spectators.
All in all, it was a great day! Thank you for making us a part of it! Please pass along our thanks to Nakamura Sensei!!!
Domo Arigato
Doug, Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts
Onegaishimasu
The friendship tournament this year was really fun and well organized, even though there weren't that many people in my division, the people that were very respectful and fun to be around. The blackbelt sparring was extremely interesting to watch, and made me want to continue karate to get to that level. Overall, it was a really good experience.
S. O’Brien Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts
Dear Sensei, I am Erik S., I am 11 years old. I study karate at Ishi – Gogyou dojo in Whitby. I had an awesome time and experience at the tournament. I received 2 participant medals for my katas, and a 3rd place medal in iri kumi ju. It was my second tournament and I learned a lot. I had an awesome time listening to the drumming, watching the demonstrations, and your kata (it was very cool.) When I go next year, I’ll try a lot harder to learn, have fun, and hope for a place in the medals. I met a lot of people from the other dojos. It was an experience that I will never forget.
From: Erik S.
Sensei, I wanted to take the time to tell you what a wonderful experience
this tournament was for me my daughter Allison who participated in the
tournament and the rest of my family who came for support. It gave us an
opportunity to meet and observe during kata many new people. All of which
were extremely cordial and friendly. I think it was very valuable to her to
see other children especially girls participating and performing at levels
higher than herself.
The tournament gave an extreme boost to my daughters drive towards the art.
When we arrived home Alison spent the next hour practicing the next Kyu
level kata she knew. This is allot for an 8yr old to do on her own accord.
Thank you again for this experience. Allison all ready told me the kata she
would like to show next year.
Warmest regards,
Gary
Onegaishimasu,
Thank you for a job well done at the Friendship tournament!
It was a well organized and fun time. We only had a couple small registration issues where I our name had been left out of a couple events. However, things were straightened out quickly and politely. The highlight of my week has been the Family Kata event where I was able to compete on a team with my daughter for the very first time! I think this was a great addition to the tournament and so many people I spoke to enjoyed it.
I also enjoyed meeting other karateka from dojos and having the opportunity to make new freinds. (Especially Gary and Alicia of the Kokoro Tanren Dojo!)
Arigatou gozaimasu
The Matthews Family
Taki Dojo.
Hello, Sensei Darryl
I'd like to thank you and sensei Lynne for your effort in training my sons.
We all enjoyed the friendship tournament.
Surprisingly, my mother really enjoyed watching the adult sparring.
We're looking forward to seeing the next tournament.
Thank you to Sensei Nakamura and all the volunteers, especially to the woman (sorry, I don't know her name.) who organized the students to be at the right place at the right time. What a great job!
Once again, thank you very much.
Roddy M
