For some it was the tenth, for others it was the first time they journeyed to Okinawa. For everyone, however, it certainly was the highlight of 2018. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One day after our arrival, we met with Tamayose Sensei in Chinen \u2013 a village close the Seifa Utaki \u2013 to train. There we also met up with our American friends such as Don Shapland Sensei from Canada and Brian Ash from the USA, who have already arrived earlier. Chris Prince, whom some of us had already met back in 2015 at the Kobud\u00f4 World Tournament, was among the American entourage as well. However, we also got the chance to meet new faces such as Paul Sexton. But that’s not all. A few days later our Siberian friends from Tomsk, Vyacheslav and Vladislav Rogozin, dropped in, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The training focused mainly on the upcoming Karate and Kobud\u00f4 World Tournament \u2013 yet there’s always time for B\u00f4-no-Kihon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the third day of training, Tamayose Sensei led us to the D\u00f4j\u00f4 of Gibo Giyo Sensei (10th Dan Sh\u00f4rin-Ry\u00fb Sh\u00f4rinkan). To our surprise, we were not alone but shared the space with a group from India (Sh\u00f4rinkan) and from France (Matayoshi-Ry\u00fb). This last practice before the tournament was considered the dress rehearsel which gave us also the chance to get a glance at some of our soon-to-be opponents. This joint training gave us a good opportunity for interesting chats with our European neighbours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next was the tournament. To make it brief: Sebastian, Martin, Michaela and Hagen competed in the category SAI ADULT I and prevailed the preliminary rounds. During the main tournament, they competed with, among others, Okinawans who made up a quarter of all competitors. Everyone managed to pass the round of sixteen and enter the quarter-finals. In the quarter-finals Sebastian faced the soon-to-be vice-champion. It became even worse for Martin and Hagen. Both have been friends for many years and shared a room \u2013 and a stage during the quarter-finals. However, Hagen emerged victoriously. Still, there was no reason for Martin to be sad, since he triumphed over one of the Okinawans in the previous round. Michaela, in the female division, also made to semi-finals showing strong and powerful Kata. The semi-finals were, however, to be held the next day. Michaela, unfortunately, was stopped there by her Japanese rivals. Yet still, she had won several rounds and achieved a fourth place \u2013 which is something we can be proud of. Hagen competed against yet another Okinawan in the semi-finals \u2013 victoriously and clearly. What could possibly stand between him and another victory? Four hours. Four hours during which one could wreck one’s nerves. Four hours during which one could become tired. Four hours of heat. A lot of things can happen within four hours. In the finals, Hagen competed against another Okinawan, this time a student of the Bunbukan. Both showed the same Kata: Hamahiga-no-Sai. Although the Tesshinkan and Bunbukan trace their lineages back to Taira Shinken, both schools are remarkably different. In the end, there was a difference of one flag in favour of Hagen. What a relief \u2013 the tournament was over and the internal pressure to not perform worse than in 2015 was gone. Tamayose Sensei was visibly moved and reliefed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next two days were devoted to the seminars traditionally held after the huge tournaments. However, one thing was still left to be done. After the seminars, Hagen and Martin called a cab to visit Tamayose Sensei and his son Tamayose Tetsushi Sensei. As the sun sank, a golden hue lingered in the Tesshinkan Honbu D\u00f4j\u00f4, it was quiet. Tamayose Sensei entered his D\u00f4j\u00f4 in formal attire. \u201cYou may start\u201c said he. Martin and Hagen tested for Nidan and Yondan in Sh\u00f4rin-Ry\u00fb Tesshinkan, respectively. We are fortunate to announce that both succesfully passed their examinations with good results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, there is more! Frank Pelny, the technical director of the Tesshinkan Europe was now officially made Shibu-Ch\u00f4 of Europe. Yet there is more! After a technical eximantion and consideration and evaluation of everything that Frank Pelny has done for the Tesshinkan worldwide, Frank has been awarded a Shihan Menky\u00f4. Next to Don Shapland Sensei from Canada, he is the second to be awarded this honour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remaining days were spent sight-seeing, shopping and relaxing. Finally, on Friday, we had to say good bye to Tamayose Sensei and his family and to our friends from abroad. We would like to thank Tamayose Sensei and his family sincerely for their hospitality. We are looking forward to meeting Sensei next year, when the next Kobud\u00f4 World Tournament takes place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The results:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tournament:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 1st Place Hagen Walter (SAI ADULT I MALE)<\/li>
- 4th Place Michaela Frost (SAI ADULT I FEMALE)<\/li>
- 5th Place Sebastian Edelmann & Martin M\u00e4hler (SAI ADULT I MALE)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Examinations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 4th Dan Hagen Walter (Sh\u00f4rin-Ry\u00fb)<\/li>
- 2nd Dan Martin M\u00e4hler (Sh\u00f4rin-Ry\u00fb)<\/li>
- 2nd Dan Wjatscheslaw Rogozin (Kobud\u00f4)<\/li>
- 2nd Dan Paul Sexton (Kobud\u00f4)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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