AAU NJ State Karate Championships, 3/28/10

**Sensei Tom O'Bri** · 03-28-2010, 23:32

I apologize for not being here for quite awhile. I was at the 'States' today & I met Tony Arena, one of the moderators here. I promised him I would return.
Three of us competed today, at the AAU NJ State Karate Championships. I took 3rd in 'old geezer's' kobudo. My Sempai (shodan) took 3rd in kumite. My white belt (7th kyu) took 3rd in kata & 1st in kumite. The main thing is that we all qualified to go to the Nationals. The Nationals are in Albany, NY, this year. It is only about 2 hours away.
Hey, wait a minute! Two years ago (before my back went out), I took 1st in kobudo & 3rd in kata. I regressed. We all decided we need to work harder for the Nationals.
So here is a funny situation that occurred in the 13/14 yr. old advanced (black belts, but I call them jr. black belts) division. There were instances of flurries & pitty pats during kumite. One of the other officials told the competitors to try making their technique more definitive. I said "Try to think 'ikken isatsu' one strike, one kill." They just looked at me like I had 4 heads.
I had to explain what zanshin was to one of the coaches. He thought his guy should have gotten a waza-ari for a jumping uricken uchi (back fist strike).
I feel like a dinasuar.

Thanks,
Tom

**TonyU** · 03-29-2010, 09:35

Congratulations Tom and it was a pleasure meeting you.

**Eliz** · 03-29-2010, 10:11

Congrats Tom and the best of luck to you all at Nationals.

Oh, and easy on the "old Geezer" comments. I am but 3 years away from qualifying for that most honorable distinction myself.

Didn't they give the division some fancy name like, "Ultra?" or something like that. Either way, our 50 and up division began with only two female competitors at Nationals and has grown considerably over the years.