Redding Shotokan Karate

Saturday, May 19, 2007

This year's tournament was a big success. [To Brad] As far as I remember, there were about 10 women (including an 8th kyu - That's the spirit!) for Women's division, over 30 brown belts and 17 black belts with Tim.

Before the tournament started, several women asked me if I was competing. I was actually prepared for both competing (just in case we didn't have enough women) and officiating (in case I was asked to be a part of). I had my own whistle with me, too. Getting out there and fighting with all those younger and enthusiastic women seemed exciting, but I also wanted to have the opportunity to increase my experience to become a better referee/corner judge. I ended up helping officiating the tournament.

I was a refree for the first round of the brown belt division and a corner judge for many matches of brown and black belt divisions. I had found out from my previous years' experience that being a refree/judge is "mentally" draining. You have to stay neutral and definitely NO mental laps! Anything can happen anytime. When I was refreeing this year, I happily noticed I stayed calmer and more relaxed, and felt less shoulder power. It is interesting. The same things are important for officiating just like fighting - stay calm, relaxed and no shoulder power. It may be the same for life itself as well.... To me, being a refree/corner judge is just like fighting with your opponent, only the opponent is yourself.

I was pleased and proud to see Brad having a match with his clean techniques, showing calm but strong spirit. This year he looked calmer, more focused and had lower stance with more kime in his techniques. Congratulations! I'm happy for him to have gotten to face Joe, a good-level young fighter from LA. Too bad Brad got to fight only one match, but at least, it was a long match with sudden death overtime. I hope we can bring more juniors with us for the next tournament. Get out there, do it and learn. That is the first step to the new world.