This past Thanksgiving long weekend, Paul Bedard, Sensei of Princeton’s Similkameen Shotokan Karate Club, attended the annual Canadian Nationals Tournament. This tournament was held in Calgary, Alberta and was hosted by Sensei David Jones 7th dan and the Alberta ISKF. This event was held at the Westin Hotel. a wonderful venue for such a large event. There were participants from all across Canada, about 200 in all. Add in the officials, coaches, parents, support staff and spectators and there was a high degree of excitement in the air.

Friday evening began with a judges clinic and examination for new and upgrading judges. Judge classes include: D, C, B, and A, with A being the highest level. The practical evaluation was on Saturday afternoon during the Junior ( under 18) and Senior (over 45) tournament. Paul Bedard successfully completed all requirements and is now a Nationals level judge (D class). Also, on Friday evening, dan examinations were held with David Takishida of Port Moody receiving his 5th dan. Sensei Takishita first came to Princeton in May/86. He has been very helpful in the development of Sensei Bedard and Similkameen Shotokan.

Saturday morning an instructors class was held led by Master Teruyuke Okazaki 10th dan. This session, of course, was attended by instructors from all across Canada and ensures that all the ISKF are teaching at a similar level. The ISKF is over 40 countries strong and that is a lot of Karateka doing the same thing. In addition to the instructor training, there was a black belt class led by Master Yutaka Yaguchi 9th dan and a brown belt session led by Sensei Frank Woon-A- Tai, 8th dan, head of ISKF Canada.

Saturday evening there was a banquet, with the head table where al the highest ranking officials were seated and announced the successful karateka of the judge and dan examinations. At the head table was a very impressive representation of whose who in the ISKF.

Sunday morning, the elimination’s were held and in the afternoon were the finals. THe excitement and adrenalin was quite evident as each provincial team was doing their best to leave their mark. In the end, the B.C. Team came in third overall and Alberta and Quebec came in first and second respectively. This put our team ahead of Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

By the time that the tournament was done, B.C. came home with numerous first, second and third place medals in both kata (forms) and kumite (fighting). This achievement is due much to the credit of Sensei Joe Dixon, 6th dan and the technical director for B.C. and Sensei Marc Williams 4th dan and the coach for the B.C. Team. Along with the regular training at the participants home dojos, the provincial team participated in numerous special sessions for this event. This just shows the dedication involved by both the leadership and the karateka. The results are the medals and positive experience that was gained.

Even though Calgary had record old and snowfall for Thanksgiving weekend, we all came home with quite a warm feeling.