Back in September, Ethor and I started attending karate classes. I really wanted to get him some more structured exercise where he can learn coordination, balance, flexiblity, concentration, self-discipline/self-control, and respect for authority as well as getting to know more people all while learning some practical self-defense. I have been enjoying getting to know the other adults going too. I took karate for a number of years in my teens and early twenties, but I haven’t done it for nearly 20 years. I dusted off my old karate gi, but for some reason the belts have all shrunk as they don’t seem as long as they used to be. I had to buy a new green belt as I can barely tie the old one on because it was so short…

Our local club, Iwa Yama Karate, practices Shintani Wado Kai Karate, which is a bit different from the shotokan karate that I studied years ago, but it is still quite similar. Our club hosted a tournament this past weekend, which was a first for both of us.

I was quite satisfied with how I did in the tournament, especially since I just started back into karate a couple months ago. I was up against three women of my own rank for the kata competition, and for kumite (sparring) I was up against two men who were one level higher and another guy who was two levels higher than me. I managed to score 3rd place in kata against three other green belts. As I am just starting back in it, I was only able to do the first kata, while they were doing more complicated ones, but somehow managed to score well.

In the kumite I lost my first ever match, won my second against the brown belt, then lost the third. When the points were added, I placed third, so I was quite pleased to get anywhere against guys who have been at this for years.

Just before the Jr. divisions started, there was a special kumite match between Santa and the Grinch!

The Grinch won, but so did the kids when the candy got passed out. The Grinch ended up being attacked by excited kids.

Ethan did well in his group and he also came in 3rd for kata! He got a little lost in it and did the first part twice, but did well with the rest.

In the kumite rounds he won his first match, and was winning his second when he got disqualified when his glove touched the other boy’s cheek. No contact with the head or back allowed! He didn’t really understand the rules that well, but it was a good learning experience for him.

First match

Second match and disqualification

Our teacher told us that going to a tournament was like having an extra month of classes. I know I learned a lot and Ethan had a great time. We are looking forward to the next tournament and perhaps his sisters will compete too!