The 2015 Chito-Ryu Friendship Tournament was an amazing success. 146 participants from 10 different Dojo’s came from all over BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan to participate in this annual event that began back in 2002. Keeping in mind that the theme is friendship, the competition was very intense. Everyone from the little 6 year olds in their first tournament ever, to National Team members competed with a lot of spirit and sportsmanship.
The male and female Grand Champions were from the Taneda Karate Dojo. Both Nicole Amaral and Axl Reuvers won gold in their individual kata, kumite and team kata divisions. The male sportsmanship award was split between Jaron and Jaden Demas from the Satewin Dojo in Edmonton. The two brothers both caught the eyes of all the referees and spectators with their performances. The female sportsmanship award was received by Sarah Stuij of the Taneda Karate Dojo. Sarah, maybe didn’t have her best tournament but she was un-phased and determined to keep going.
The 2016 Chito-Ryu Friendship Tournament is already scheduled to be in Penticton in mid April. We hope to see you all back again!
