Just came back from the Gold Cup Tournament 2012 in Montreal

Osu

Now THAT was a great event! The Ohan Brothers Gold Cup Tournament 2012 held in Laval, Quebec.

I just got back from there, and here are my cherished memories:

- Fantastic, and impressive competitors ( over 200 of them from different countries, and different styles)

- Training seminar with Shihan Klaus Rex. Wow.. I just have to say WOW! That was something else as he shared a taste of what training as an Uchi Deshi under Sosai was like with us. The key of the seminar was basics, basics, basics, but at a depth of understanding and focus that revealed so much more than just one day could provide.

- The hospitality, friendliness, competitiveness, and supportive welcoming presence of Shihan Roman, and his dojo students. They made it a pleasure to visit Quebec.

One of my best memories is when I finished performing my kata on stage, and my event was over. I went down into the lobby to phone my family to share the results. From across the room, three young orange belt boys came running over to see me, and shake my hand. They had stars in their eyes, and were expressing how impressed they were of my performance. I was taken aback. I did not know these students, they did not know me, but they not only noticed my kata performance which I find unusual for children, but found it so inspiring that they felt a need to express their appreciation. That was something else!
I had met my personal training goal. I have always wanted to bring my kata performance to a level wherein others would see my enthusiasm, and love of kata, and their souls would respond in echo of that joy, and they would find inspiration to continue in their training. That is what I saw in the eyes of these boys.. the echo of my own appreciation of kata. I do hope that these boys find it within themselves to not only match what I accomplished, but will surpass me, and infect hundreds of other Karate ka with the same dedication to kata.