Annual Food Drive Tournament

In the spirit of the winter holiday season, the Arizona Budokan always participates in the Annual Food Drive Tournament hosted by Sensei Ted Rabino and his wife Sara. The kids get a chance to shine and we all get an opportunity to represent the Arizona Budokan in one of the biggest traditional martial arts tournaments in the Phoenix area. We always do well, and this year was no exception. Congratulations to everyone who trained hard and gave their best effort in a challenging environment. We're proud of you!

The AZB kids getting ready to rumble...


The very serious and mature AZB adults ponder the competition...


Karate and kobudo--kids

Aunchele Taylor


This was Aunchele's first time out as part of our AZB family and we were so proud of her! Nothing is more difficult than competing as a white belt and she did an incredible job.


With clean stances and focus, Aunchele performed some of the best kata in her huge division.
We can't wait to see what she'll do in her next tournament!


Allen Thomas
THIRD in kumite
THIRD in long weapons


Shihan coaches Allen and Aunchele before their kumite matches.


Allen was a little firecracker in his difficult kumite division and took a well-deserved third place!


Ricky Canas
SECOND in kata
SECOND in kumite
THIRD in long weapons


Ricky and Tristan were like twins, neck in neck throughout the competition and showing incredible sportsmanship and support for each other the entire day.


Both put on a strong performance, placed well, and made us proud!


Tristan Blick
FIRST in kata
FIRST in kumite
SECOND in long weapons
FIRST in short weapons



Tristan did a great job and gave us the focus and precision we've been looking for! The judges thought so too, and awarded him three first place medals and a second place. Way to go, Tristan!


Sarah Craver
THIRD in kata
FIRST in kumite
THIRD in long weapons
SECOND in short weapons


Tough and fearless as always, Sarah gave a strong performance in both kata and sparring.


Sarah's dojomates congratulate her after a tough battle for first place in
a kumite match that went into double overtime.



Shihan with his decorated and hardworking kids' team.


Sarah and Ricky smile between kumite matches.


Brianna Hutchinson
FIRST in kata
THIRD in long weapons
FIRST in short weapons


Brianna's intensity and focus beat out the black belts in her division.


As always, she represented the dojo well and served as an
incredible role model for the younger kids.


Karate and kobudo--adults

Milan Trifkovic
THIRD in kata
THIRD in kumite
FIRST in long weapons
FIRST in short weapons


Milan did a fantastic job in his first tournament. THOSE are the stances we want to see!


Rick Canas
SECOND in kata
SECOND in kumite
SECOND in long weapons
SECOND in short weapons


It was great to have Rick competing again--and stomping out an awesome nitambo kata. Watch out!


Dawn Croft
FIRST in kata
FIRST in kumite


Charged up from her trip to Japan, Sempai Dawn took first place
in both black belt kata and black belt kumite.




Congratulations again to all the competitors, and a big thank you to Shihan, Sensei Ed, and Sempai John for working so hard to prepare us. We are proud to represent the Arizona Budokan and are looking forward to our next chance to shine!