 |
| Tekki Shodan in the Shitei-gata eliminations |
Over the weekend the 34th JKA (Japan Karate Association) Kumamoto Prefecture Championships were held in Tamana-Shi.
Result: YUSHO!!! – Men’s Individual Kata Champion
Actually, the Shototakuhiro Dojo (JKA Kumamoto Chuo Shibu) won a total of nine medals at the prefecture championships: Five gold, two silver, and two bronze. Of course, the real thrill is to see these youngsters and their talent. Here is a list of the club members who won titles and/or placed:
· Kento Hiyoshi – Elementary School 4thGrade Boys Individual Kata – Champion
· Shiki Uchida – Junior High School 1st Grade Boys Individual Kata – Champion
· Hyuga Takamori – Junior High School 2nd Grade Boys Individual Kata – Champion
· Aiko Omori – Elementary School 5thGrade Girls Individual Kata – Championand 3rd Place Individual Kumite
· Saki Hirai – Elementary School 5thGrade Girls Individual Kata – 2nd Placeand 2nd Place Individual Kumite
· Takafumi Morooka – Men’s Individual Kata – 3rd Place
· André Bertel – Men’s Individual Kata – Champion
 |
| Heian yondan in the shitei-gata eliminations |
I’d especially like to offer my thanks to Nakamura Masamitsu Shihan and Akiyoshi Sensei, and also to my training partner, Morooka Takafumi San. Domo arigato gozaimashita. Osu, André
© André Bertel. Aso-shi, Kumamoto. Japan (2015).
 |
| Gojushiho Dai in the final |
 |
| Gojushiho Dai Kata - Kentsui hasami uchi |
 |
| It is very hard to win in Japan, especially for foreigners. A gaikokujin winning at prefectural level here is unprecedented. |
 |
| Unfortunately Morooka San was given shikaku (total disqualification). His opponent was sent to the hospital. |
 |
| The Shototakuhiro Dojo (JKA Kumamoto Chuo) Team. |