We went to the FIMA Fall Classic karate tournament in NJ. Rich Faustini from the Faustini Institute of Martial Arts runs a good show. There were about 250 competitors & we were done & out before 2:30pm. 7 of us competed. David Weiss, 8 yrs. old, took 2nd pl. in kata & self defense. My brown belt fought in the advanced div. for the 1st time. He beat a red belt & was disqualified for head contact against a black belt. It was a backfist & he barely touched him. In the kids divisions they are strict. I would have given him a warning & moved on. It's partly my fault because in my dojo there is no such thing as 'no contact' to the head or face. He took 4th pl. Another green belt came in 4th in kumite also. I took 2nd in kata & I felt good. They did not have an over 45 div so I competed against both young & old. There were about 10 competitors. Out of 7 people we took home 3 trophies. The important thing is that the students learn & the Ronin Martial Arts Club is respected in the tournament circuit. The only bad thing is that I took a camera & I didn’t take any pics. I get so involved in the officiating & competition that I totally forget.
Thanks,
Sensei Tom
Ronin Martial Arts Club