International Kubudo tournament Dec 3, 2023 Okinawa Karate Kaikan / Shiai bo kumite kumi bo sparring

Kubudo tournament December 3, 2023, in Okinawa at Karate Kaikan, in the morning Sensei Scott Scot Mertz (8th dan Ryuho Ryu) picked me up in his car and we went to Karate Kaikan to cheer for the famous Sensei Dan Antonsen 7th dan Goju Ryu Meibukan (student of Meitoku Yagi Sensei) and 6th dan Ryukyu Kobudo Tesshinkan, he had to compete in the kata bo (pole) and sai categories. Adult and children participated in the tournament, and disciplines were also held among adults in Shiai bo kumite (kumi bo) sparring in bogu armor, a pole fight with kicks and punches to the opponent’s head and body. When we arrived in the hall there were already a lot of people, there was a beautiful opening ceremony, a lot of familiar Okinawa karate and Kobudo Masters. Grand Master Patrick McCarthy 10th Dan of Koryu Uchinadi, was also among the distinguished guests. I really enjoyed watching the bo pole fights, especially when kicks and punches into the end zones are allowed and scored, in addition to kicks in the sixth. As a result, Sensei Dan Antonson took third place in the bo kata category, and we met a huge number of familiar friends and Masters, gave gifts and took photographs. At the same time, while the tournament was taking place in the large hall, in two other small halls, referee briefings were held on the preparation of the judiciary (judges) before the international children’s Okinawa Karate tournament 2024. At these referee trainings, almost all Goju ryu and Uechi ryu Masters from Okinawa were present. Video recorded by Sensei Scott Mertz, amazing day #kobudo #shiai #bo #sai #tournament #championship #Okinawa #Karate #kaikan #kumite #kumibo #kata