We arrived at 3, but it wasn’t until past 5 that we started, since the kids had to go first. Kumite was first, then Kata. I played four 2 minute rounds in total, winning 3 and losing 1, ending in 2nd place – Silver medal for over 17 year old females. My last round was with one of my team mates, and we couldn’t help but giggle a little during the fight. Since JKA rules are slightly different than what I’m used to seeing, I was utterly shocked when there was blood spill, attacks below the waist, punches in the throat (okay, that player was disqualified), and I got punched in the eye by a JKA player, resulting in the most wobbly viewed fighting round of my life. I managed to do a little damage myself! But all in all, it was really the most awesome Kumite experience.
I was quite worried about my eye, as were my parents, who were watching from the side with their cameras and a first aid kit hiding my my moms bag. But eventually my vision started to go clear, and not so much like I was looking through a glass of super-skimmed milk.
By the time Kata was about to begin, I couldn’t help but notice a slight pain in my left arm as I held a massive ice bag to my eye (and watched as mascara spilled down my face haha). So I lifted my sleeve to reveal the most lovely huge red friction burns all down my forearm. Perfect! Had to get that wrapped to prevent further friction from my Gi. You don’t feel pain when fighting, as I clearly demonstrated yesterday.
Kata for over 17 year olds was mixed both male and female, and I had my secret weapon up my huge, blood stained Karate sleeve – Kanku Sho. The applause I received! I’m blushing just thinking of it! So I placed 1st in Kata, and got the first trophy to my professional career! Yay!
So as I ended the night with all my team mates and both coaches with millions of silly pictures and videos, I couldn’t help but think, this is my year!
And I wanna say congrats to my other team mates, EVERY SINGLE one placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in various events of the night, I love you guys!










