Report by Mike Scales, Technical Committee Chair
Sensei Donna Gardecki hosted the West Coast Gojukai Skills Challenge February 28th 2015 in Coquitlam. I attended both as coach and a Technical Committee observer.
This is a wonderful event for young children held in a non-threatening fun environment.
The competitors age range is 13 years and younger, 9th kyu – 4th kyu.
T
he event is designed in order to have the competitors be involved in constant activity. There were two kumite divisions (free sparring and tag kumite), two Kata divisions, an obstacle course, a division with push ups, sit ups, vertical jump, long jump and a talk on safety.
The competitors are awarded points for winning and losing and at the end of the competition points scored in each division are added up and medals and ribbons are awarded. Every child in each division is lined up and awarded a participant ribbon.
What was very evident as I walked for ring to ring was the expressions on the children’s faces, they were having fun. There was no sitting around for an hour waiting to one kata like at some Tournaments, it was constant action. When each division was completed the children rotated to the next ring.
Young students 3rd kyu and up were used as volunteers in the rings and as coaches. As a competitor completed their event they were offered advice from a teenage coach. The event also gave young teenage officials a chance to hone their skills. The parents of my students love the event. It started at 9:30 am and was finished at 2:30 pm.
This event is a great introduction to competition without the threatening environment of a regular large tournament. Technical Committee member Sensei Peter Akutagawa was present with me to observe and both of us recommend this type of event should be expanded and supported by Karate BC.
Sensei Donna Gardecki and all her volunteers did and amazing job. On behalf of Karate BC I would like to congratulate Sensei Donna on another great event.
