International Goju Ryu Karate Federation

Onegaishimasu, Sensei,

Thank you once a gain for another great event and for your teaching. For the last few gasshuku you have been passing onto us some very important information about body mechanics and how to develop internal power, I truly appreciate this knowledge it makes me work even harder on my kata and it gives a deeper meaning on my overall training.

During the tournament I was able to appreciate the participants technical abilities and it is very evident that IOGKF Canada, technical ability is increasing. The Kata were performed with a higher standard and I know it will only get better, our instructors are doing a good job on passing your knowledge to heir students.

I am looking forward to seeing you again at the 100 Rounds next month.

Regards,

Sensei Genaro L, Naha Dojo, Toronto

Onegaishimasu Sensei,

I would like to thank you and all of the volunteers for such a great experience at this year's Friendship Tournament. This year's event was a memorable experience for all of our participants and spectators.

High levels of respect, courage and the "never give up" mentality were shown by all the competitors, and the judges and referees all contributed greatly to the positive atmosphere of the competition for our younger members.

It was wonderful to see so many young members from all different dojos walk away from competition with good experiences. It was a joy to witness the peewee and junior divisions performing their Kata or Kihon with a great attitude and doing so well; as well as such exciting Kata/Iri Kumi in both children and adult divisions with the new SAGA division. Tyrone and I, as well as all of our competing adult students really enjoyed the SAGA division and look forward to trying it again given the opportunity. Additionally, it was a good chance for my brother and I to realize once again the type of dedication it will take to produce a great result at this year's World Tournament in South Africa in October.

Every year this event is growing and we are seeing new faces on every level of performance. Reigniting friendships and forging new relationships is what we do every year when we get together.

Once again, I would like to extend a sincere thanks to you, Sensei Adrienne, the team of volunteers and all of the dojo's that came to support the event for a successful and well executed event.

Looking forward to next year!

Tirrell, Tyrone and Sandra

Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts Education Inc.

Whitby, ON

Hello

Thanks and congrats to Sensei Tirrell & Sensei Tyrone as well! The beginning ceremony was nice as this was our 1st karate. When Mateo got 1st all the Senseis came to shake Mateo's hand for his effort which made him blush. The Senseis who scored Isabela told her that her kata was great but that she just has to slow it down.

Would you please thank Nakamura Sensei & his family for running an organized tournament and a special thanks to his daughter, Emily , who was very sweet and friendly with Mateo by practicing with him.

Regards,
Norma
IGMA, Whitby, Ontario

Thank you Sensei Nakamura for hosting the Friendship tournament. It was very well organized and enjoyed by all who attended, as you could tell by the smiles on the faces of the competitors and the audience. Connor and Kaitlyn look forward each year to the Friendship tournament. It was nice to see familiar faces, and speak with friendly people. Connor and Kaitlyn both like to see how their hard work throughout the year pays off. Sensei Hill always encourages both Connor and Kaitlyn to strive for their best, and give them confidence in themselves to train hard. When you see the smiles on their faces as the receive gold, silver or bronze, then they realize that the efforts they put in at their Dojo pays off when competing amongst others within the IOGKF family. Both Connor and Kaitlyn had a wonderful time once again this year, and looks forward to showing their efforts in the next gathering.

Diane
IGMA

Onegaishimasu

Thank you for the great time we had at the tournament, it was very well organized and every thing went off without a hitch. Again all that were there were very friendly and so helpful. I can hardly wait for the next one to happen we will be looking so forward to participating once again, once again thank you to every one involved. And a special thanks to the Ishi Gogyou Dojo for all the support they have shown to Brandon and myself over the years and a big thanks to Nakamura Sensei for running a great show.

Rob O.
IGMA.

Thank you Sensei Nakamura for hosting the Friendship tournament. It was very well organized and enjoyed by all who attended, as you could tell by the smiles on the faces of the competitors and the audience.
Connor and Kaitlyn look forward each year to the Friendship tournament. It was nice to see familiar faces, and speak with friendly people. Connor and Kaitlyn both like to see how their hard work throughout the year pays off. Sensei Hill always encourages both Connor and Kaitlyn to strive for their best, and give them confidence in themselves to train hard. When you see the smiles on their faces as the receive gold, silver or bronze, then they realize that the efforts they put in at their Dojo pays off when competing amongst others within the IOGKF family. Both Connor and Kaitlyn had a wonderful time once again this year, and looks forward to showing their efforts in the next gathering.

Diane
IGMA

Onegaishimasu Sensei!!!

I wanted to send along our comments from the Friendship Tournament 2010!!

First thanks to you for providing a Excellent environment for the kids and I to train in! For always encouraging us to 'Do Our Best!' and 'To take away lessons from each event to learn from and train with!'

I found the facility to be a great venue to meet our needs with the various events being run and to keep track of the students in the 'training' area.

It was very well run and I was very impressed at how quickly we moved through the events of the day!!! I also appreciated the feedback that myself and our kids received at the Tournament from the other Sensei's there.

We very much appreciated having Sensei Nakamura come and ask us as a family how our Tournament was this year and appreciate being able to go to the Tournament and the various Gasshuku's.

For me I really enjoyed competing in the Women's Iri Kumi with the SAGA rules. It was a great challenge and demonstrated to me how much our Kata is a reflection of everything else. So I have taken away many points to train on and to improve!!

The Tournament to me is a time to make friends with other dojo's but also to see your progress from the previous Tournament. This allows you to line up your goals and to have something concrete to measure it with.

I was very proud to be at the Tournament to represent our Sensei and our Dojo.

Domo Arigato,

From the L. Family - Mary, Trent, Sam and Victoria- Ishi Gogyou Dojo Whitby, Ontario

Onegaishimasu

I would like to thank everybody helping organizing the event. It was great !!
Location has been the best so far in my opinion. This is my 4th tournament and my first as a competitor and really really
enjoyed it. All the Sensei's were really nice, providing good feedback
and they a looked like they were enjoying themselves. It was a great
experience and made me want to continue Karate even more.

Will see you at the next one......

Anny C.

Onegaishimasu

Just a few things about this year's tournament... It was wonderfully organized and very smoothly run this year. The facility for the tournament worked out much better than at the Holiday Inn. As both a participant, and a parent of one of the competitors I thoroughly enjoyed this year's event.

Thank you,
Krista

Ishi Gogyou Martial Arts Education

Onegaishimasu

I really enjoyed the tournament this year. I thought the facility chosen this year was fantastic. I loved how there was a big warm up area and bleachers so all the family could come and watch. I want to say a big congrats and thank you to the lady who was in charge of getting the people lined up in order in the warm up room. What a fantastic job she did at herding the kids along. This Tournament ran so smooth from opening to closing. So a big thank you to all the staff involved in this event.
Domo arigato gosimasta!!! See you next year.

Doug C.
Taki Dojo

As usual the kids had a great time. Since the first year they went we all look forward to going. Thanks again.
Regards,

Dave W.
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu Sensei Nakamura,

Congratulations to yourself and your staff for another exceptional event!!

This was my second friendship tournament, and I am even more impressed with the experience than I was the first time, and I didn't think that was even possible. The organization of the event was fantastic and the atmosphere inspirational. I never cease to be amazed at skills of the many participants, and the dedication of yourself and your judging staff. I know that the preparation and participation in this event has made me a better Karateka! I also enjoyed the opportunity to form a closer bond with my daughter as we competed in the Family Kata event, and to gain a greater appreciation for my fellow IOGKF family members. Keep up the good work!!

Arigato gozaimasu

Dave M. (and Colleen)
Taki Dojo

Onegai shimasu

I just want to say thank you Sensei Nakamura and all the those that made the Friendship Tournament as pleasure to attend. My desire and drive to work harder and do better has grown from these tournaments. Just being able to watch the other karateka perform, referee, organize and interact is literally inspiring. I particularly enjoyed the SAGA rules for irikumi - I believe that having to perform kata after kumite brought together an aspect of traditional Goju-ryu that IOGKF is striving to preserve - it also enabled us to witness some amazing kata from the participants under extreme pressure and fatigue.

Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu

Mark
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu:

I found the Friendship Tournament to be one of the most efficiently run tournaments. Things ran very smoothly. It was also the first time I got to judge kumite. I still have alot to learn but it was a fantastic experience.

I also enjoyed the Gashgyu. It was good going over kata and bunkai. I have several things that need working on. The special notes on how to improve myself. I am working on the exercises that Sensie said I need to target.

Just seeing everybody and getting a chance to catch up with people was also great.

Chris Shaw
Taki Dojo

Ohayo gozaimasu!

Thank you for hosting another fantastic Friendship Festival. The Monaghan Family (Larry, Meghan & Alex) have been fortunate enough to participate in two tournaments now. Both tournaments have been very well organized, a lot of fun, and a great opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves and meet other members of IOGKF.

The April tournament location seems ideal. Trying to keep everyone organized is no doubt a difficult task - and thank you to your tournament coordinator who handles this task exceptionally well. Having the staging area beside the tournament rings seemed ideal to keep the children "contained" in one area, allowing them to have some fun and relax while being close enough to hear when it was time to get ready for their event.

The bleachers also afforded the family and friends who came out to watch and support those competing an excellent view of all three rings.

As a parent, I think the fact that all children participating receive a medal for each event is a grand gesture following the theme of "friendship" - and the smaller groups afford the children a greater chance of placing in the top three!

Domo arigato! We are looking forward to the next event.

The Monaghan Family
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu, Sensei Daryl & Sensei Lynne, the tournament was great experience, I enjoyed the competition, and meeting students from other Dojos. Thanks to Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura for providing this tournament, and this experience. (Onegaishimasu)

Coady M
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu sensei Daryl and sensei Lynne, the friendship tournament was really exciting, I saw lots of team work, and enjoyed watching sparring. Thanks to Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura for providing this tournament.

Darcy M.
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu Sensei Daryl & Sensei Lynne, thank you for your training and teaching. Thank you for helping my confidence. Sensei Tetsuji Nakamura, thank you for providing this atmosphere that I could be successful.

Jessy M.
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu sensi

my comments on the tournament were that it was really well organized and things moved very smoothly from one event to the next, the only thing that I could recommend is that they have a tentative time table for events. so that we know approximately when were are performing. Other than that great tournament.

Jac
Taki Dojo

Onegaishimasu Sensei,

Once again the IOGKF Friendship tournament was an incredible experience. It is such a pleasure to meet up with Karate Ka from across North America and share our common challenges, successes and goals. With each tournament I become more aware that the true competition is within ourselves as we strive to perfect our discipline, this ongoing struggle is the thread that binds all Karate Ka together. As always the respect and warmth on display at the tournament was fantastic. I would like to thank all of those members that worked so hard to make the tournament an event not to be missed

Arigato,
Basil C. (IGMA, Whitby)

Onegaishimasu

I would like to take this opportunity to first of all congratulate all karate ka on a job well done! Grueling hours of practice and dedication paid off for my family, Matthew, Kyleah and I as we worked very hard to achieve personnal best. With the newly introduced SAGA rules in effect the Iri kumi was definitely a challenge. But we all survived.
Thank-you for all the hard work put into today's event. Not only was the venue spectacular, but the day was very well organized and ran very smoothly. Hats off to Obusan in taking a lead role in helping us at IGMA prepare for this wonderful event. Thanks to all the black belts who assisted and most of all thanks to the roster team for a smooth running event.

Arigato Gozaimashita

Laita Family

Ishi Gogyou martial Arts