Quick journal entry today — just got back from competing at an international karate tournament in Niagara Falls, Canada. Overall, I'm very happy with my performance in a tough division, especially since I haven't really competed — or trained for competition — since 1996 or so. Of course, there's still lots of room for improvement!!!
In the "nidan and up" empty-hand forms division, I tied for third place, but then lost the tiebreaker. I also placed second in the "nidan and up" weapons forms division. I'm still too young for the "senior" division, but many of my competitors were more than 10 years my junior. (Hey, am I already making excuses for my performance?)
A BIG thanks to Coach Tom for inspiring all the kata practice. Three times a day every day makes a big difference, and I was glad just to keep pace with the more serious competitors. (Did I mention they were younger, too? — ha ha !)
Some big lessons to take home with me, too: Being "in shape" and being "in sparring condition" are two very different things. I was soundly defeated in the sparring division by some highly-skilled folks. A great learning experience overall. More polishing and training ahead for me... I had 4 of my students with me, and it was their first tournament — a big one! They all did very well, too.
Attended a short seminar with Master Hidy Ochiai over the weekend. Wow. He's 68 years young and still AMAZING! An inspiring martial artist, and I was in awe just to be on the training floor with him. I'll remember this one for some time to come! And yes, Master Ochiai totally destroys my "age as an excuse" cop out... I guess I just need to train harder and smarter, and continue to improve, inch by inch! There are no shortcuts!
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