24.02.2009

Weeks of training all working towards this day. 24th February 2009 (Happy Birthday Mae!) Sweat, blood, tears, and protein shakes. Today was the Kuwait’s National Women’s Karate Tournament (for National Day), the first competition in my professional athletic career. And boy was I nervous. Tried to sleep this afternoon, kept waking up with sudden jerks. Shower, pack, drive, arrive, all a big blur. Had so much trouble tying the strings in my karate suit. Even more trouble trying to warm up. I kept asking everyone questions. Where do I stand, how do I know when to stop, who do I bow to. And I went on and on. The pressure was unbearable. First was Kata, then Kumite. They giggled at me when I asked which came first. How was I supposed to know. First round, against Kuwait’s current reigning champion, and gold medallist in countless significant tournaments. I didn’t stand a chance. I was almost sure of it. If I didn’t win, I wouldn’t even have the chance of a bronze medal. She was red I was blue. So she went first. I tried the best I could to not watch her as she displayed her almost flawless kata. Her power was overwhelming. Turning my face away from the mats, I stood there swinging my arms and beckoning to the coach how I desperately needed water. Too late. She was done. “Go ahead” said the referee to my right. *Gulp* I was the new face, people curious to know what I came to bring. The looked at me with interest, unsure of what was about to come. The referees eyes dug into me like nails, I could feel them. Shaky legged I made my way to the centre. Bow. Stepped forward 2 squares. Bow. Annouce the kata. “Kanku Sho!” Then everything seemed to disappear. All the fear, the shakiness, the worry. I looked straight into the eyes of the referee in front of me. One of five. All the feelings I had throughout the whole day seemed to mesh into one huge overwhelming feeling. I had to win this. Steady legs, locked technique, strong kime and all the power I got. First jump. Landed. Double kicks, sky high. Second jump. Flawless. Almost there. The most important part was the end, needed to keep the control, not look tired out. It was difficult. Then it was over. I made my way back to my corner, my opponent facing me from her corner. Waiting for the judges decision. Referee whistle blows, the flags go up. 4 blue, 1 red. My face hardly suppressing the hugemongous smile, I stepped forward to shake the hand of my opponent. I just beat Kuwait’s top female Karateka. And the next 2 girls step up, both also champions of former tournaments. I was the only new one. I didn’t pay much attention to their katas, I was still in shock of my first round. They end, shake hands, and the winner of the two is up against me next. Next round I was again blue, and my opponent red. She began. I prepared myself. I looked away as she did her kata, only glancing towards her every now and then. Referee didn’t have to tell me to start this time, I was getting the hang of it. Everyone quieted down now. The panel of silent federation members looking towards me with alot more interest than the pervious round. I stepped forward. And announced “Gojushiho Sho!” The bubble formed around me. I surprised myself with the power my small frame gave out, the locking of technique almost made me feel like it wasn’t real. I ended the kata with complete control, and endless determination. I stepped off the mat, and waited in my corner, flicking my legs out to the sides trying to release the stress. Whistle blows. 5 blue, 0 red. The grand applause seemed to rush right through me. I smiled uncontrollably as the newspapers took the photos of me, and the Gold medal was carefully placed around my neck.

“That was excellent, more than excellent.”

“I judged this whole thing in my mind, I knew you would win this”

My 2 coaches blabbered on, one of which came 2nd in the World back in his day.

My family burned my eyes out taking photos, as did the countless other people around. They were so proud.

And for those who are curious to know how the kumite went, I got a bronze medal. Not bad for a kata player, eh? Thanks to everyone who supported me through this! I love you all!