WKO World Championships

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The 7th World Karate Organization World Championships were hosted in Phoenix this year by Hanshi Chuck Merriman, one of the most senior traditional Goju-ryu practitioners in the US. Hanshi Merriman taught an exclusive bunkai clinic at the Arizona Budokan last year, and you can find more about his history and accomplishments on our blog post from that event.

 

This was the first time in recent memory that a full-fledged world championship event was held right in our backyard, and five competitors from the Arizona Budokan took advantage of this amazing opportunity. Though none of us knew what to expect from an event of this caliber, we were delighted that our students came out as strong as ever.

Little Rose stole the show by placing second in weapons and third in kumite in a tough division--even more impressive since it was her first ever competition.

We are so proud of her, and looking forward to many more 

awesome performances in the future.

 

Sarah gave a solid showing as always, beating out everyone in her 

tough kobudo division except her dojomate and sempai Matt.

 

She finished with a third place medal in kata and second in kumite 

in addition to her second place medal in weapons.

Matt took two gold medals--one in kumite and one in weapons--

in addition to a strong second place in kata.

  

We're so proud of how he's coming along and know that he'll make an excellent AZB black belt before long.

 

This was a landmark tournament for Brianna, who was competing as a black belt for the first time ever. The double step-up in competition--first to black belt division and second to international tournament--didn't seem to phase her much (not that we were that surprised).

Brianna performed an amazing Saijutsu Shodan for the gold in weapons, and showed off her recent dedication to sparring practice by taking first in kumite as well. She rounded out her three medals with a second place in kata.

 

Brianna is wearing her new black belt well and serving as an excellent example for the other kids and teenagers in the dojo as she continues to zoom ahead in her training--as hardworking and cheerful as always. Way to go, girl!

  

Another hearty congratulations to Bri, Matt, and Sarah--

the rising teenage stars of the Arizona Budokan.

 

In adult black belt competition, Sempai Dawn took first in weapons with Miyazato no kon nidan, as well as earning a second place medal in kata, and third in kumite.

Our little group of five competitors came back with no fewer than FOURTEEN medals from this high-caliber international event. Everyone did a fantastic job. You are a fine example to your juniors and outstanding representatives of one of the most exacting traditional dojos in the world. Omedeto gozaimasu!!! Thank you also to Shihan, Sensei Ed, Sempai John, and everyone who helped us train for the event. We'll see you at the food drive tournament next month!