WTKO North American Championships 2005 The WTKO North American Championships was held in New York city. Illinos WTKO was represented by senseis Brian Evans, Pat Jones and Joe Denney who made the long journey from Mackinaw, IL.
On Sunday, sensei Evans and entourage, metup with sensei John Mullin and sensei Richard Amos and the competition was a go. First on the agenda was novice and intermediate division competition and by all accounts was very enjoyable. The advanced divisions started at 1:30 on Sunday afternoon and the standard of competition and karate etiquette was superb. Sensei Amos was Chief Referee and the officiating was of a professional standard, as was to be expected. Pat Jones was unable to compete due to injury, but learned a great deal just from the attending the event, as all who attended did. Pat also took the photos. Joe Denney elected to perform Gojushiho sho in his kata division, Joe also performed strongly in the kumite too. Sensei Evans chose Nijushiho for his kata, this was performed at a level good enough for him to get a 1st place. Sensei Evans elected to use Nijushiho again for the finals, along with several other competitors in the advanced black belt division, sensei Evans won the Gold medal. Not content with winning gold in the kata division, sensei Evans also won the gold medal in kumite despite a leg injury picked up in an earlier bout. All the matches were very intense and packed with energy. After the tournament, sensei Evans was able to converse with sensei Amos, as well as some of the other WTKO officials attending the event. Later on, it was dinner and more conversation with sensei Mullin.
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