24 December, 2008
Sri Lanka Tournament 2008
Shidokan GB were invited to the 10th Lakmal Karate Open Tournament which is held in the tropical island of Sri Lanka, hosted by Shihan Lakmal Fonseka. Shihan Burnel took four middle weight fighters from the UK with a fifth, heavyweight joining us from Japan.
Kancho Soeno (Head of the Shidokan Organisation from Japan) was also attending to grade the Sri Lankan blackbelts and hold a Gassuku, Kancho also brought with him his son in law Makoto (3rd Dan) and a Japanese lightweight fighter. We (Peter & Miranda) thought this would be an ideal opportunity to take a break from our business and train with Kancho and more importantly to support our novice fighters for whom it was their first ever tournament.
The flight & arrival
After a good flight and with the usual stop over in Doha, as we stepped off the plane we were welcomed by the dry heat of the desert and were suddenly immersed into a different climate after our air conditioned plane. As the heat hit our faces we boarded the transition bus to the terminal to make the next flight. The link to the next flight was enhanced by the fact it was such a quick change, as we walked through the transition lounge we were already being tannoyed, “Will the British Karate Group make it to their gate please.”
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, we were met by our very own Shidokan Custom Official and were promptly whisked through a special immigration channel and out of the building before anyone else! There, we were met by Lakmal and some of his boys who then escorted us by minibus to Pinnawhala/Kandy which was the centre for the tournament. What a great reception! En-route we stopped to get some money changed and Darren & Russell went walk about, but they couldn’t be lost by us as they were the only white people about and so were promptly found and boarded the charabanc and onto our Hotel.
The accommodation & travel arrangements
All credit to the Sri Lankans, such friendly people who offer wonderful hospitality. We find ourselves situated in a hotel directly next to the Elephant Orphanage, in the evening we decide to have an impromptu training session and used the large room on the top floor of the hotel. This is open to the elements with windows without glass built in traditional Sri Lankan style, consequently the floor was very dusty and our crisp white gis quickly become blackened. We all quickly became sodden in sweat and realised that all the previous training in the Dojo in London during the summer with all the windows closed and condensation streaming down the glass, was all worth while as we felt slightly accustomed to the heat, we thrive on it and feel that the heat helps our muscles to remain warm and flexible. At breakfast and lunch we watch the elephants go by on their way to have a dip in the river walking down the dusty lane past the restaurant balcony, where we sit and enjoy the daily spectacle.
1st Training day, warm up led by Lakmal and then Kancho took kihon - on the top floor of the hotel (the floor had been cleaned, thank goodness!) for all the Sri Lankan black belts in attendance, JJ Burnel (head of Shidokan GB) and myself took part. It was a really hard work out in the heat and humidity of training in a tropical climate. We had to consume copious amounts of water to prevent dehydration.
Ben & Olivier (2 of the fighters) had spotted a place further down the river where the bedrock was exposed the entire width of the river, a stunning location enclosed by palm trees. So it was decided that they, along with Miranda & Giuseppe would practice kata for a couple of hours on the rocks in the morning. After breakfast the following day we negotiated our way to the river, first by following a blind elephant bull who was taking his bath, but access to the rocks at this point was denied to us as the water was too deep to cross. It was then realised that we could access the rocks by going through a hotel, once permission was sought, we prepared ourselves on the hot rocks to perform kata, in our wonderful tranquil surroundings we felt at peace, however our feet began to burn as the rock became hotter under the scorching sun.
In the afternoon we were taxied to visit the monastery, where the largest Buddha Statue in the sleeping position in South Asia lies. We greeted the Head Buddhist Monk Chief Incumbent and were blessed by him, we then took some photos of the enormous Buddha. We were asked to follow the procession into the monastic meeting room and were welcomed with a celebration ceremony where Kancho & JJ were given certificates of achievement for their commitment to Karate and their students. Unfortunately this was all presented in Sinhalese and many other people were also being presented with certificates and we didn’t understand much of what was going on so we smiled and politely clapped where appropriate. This was followed by a private buffet for ourselves where we were offered a wide variety of sweet delicacies, of which some were more recognisable than others but we politely tried every thing, on the whole most were very sweet. We asked about the ceremony in the hall and it was explained to us that citizens of Sri Lanka receive certificates of achievement for their contribution to the local community, we all felt very honoured to be so well thought of and treated with such dignity.
The next day we travelled to another town to watch the children’s tournament. As we arrived we were met by traditional male dancers and band, (see photos). We were escorted in and given front row seats. The children’s tournament was very well organised at the police station and Kancho refereed the finals, predominantly all boys with only two girls who fought each other. We, the British party were asked to present some of the trophies to the winners and runners up. This was a good insight for the fighters and what to expect the following day. For Russell this put him at ease as he had had previous Judo competition experience, and Ben too seemed focused on the event ahead after witnessing the set up. For the others tension was mounting… and Giuseppe certainly remarked that he was certainly feeling the pangs of apprehension.
Tournament Day – Civic Hall local dignitaries
Tension mounting, rear of stage changing room, weigh in all okay lighter than some had expected, we were all encouraging each other and offering advice and trying to keep everyone relaxed with humour. Olivier was the first to fight and took some nasty blows to the groin (ice packs quickly reduce the swelling)& head. As he returned to the changing room all of our fighter quizzed him for information.
Darren & Russell had byes in their first round and went on to win through the second rounds only to loose out in the next by a decision.
Giuseppe in his first fight went out like a man possessed with the fight only lasting a few seconds, putting his opponent in a clinch he gave several hizas to the chest and head and the referee stopped the fight in under 6 seconds! His second fight was similar and lasted not much longer. As the bouts came and went it was only time before our guys would face each other on the mats - Giuseppe and Russell face each other with almost a wry smile they set to work, both putting in a substantial amount of kicks and punches they fight all 3 rounds and Giuseppe is awarded the fight. He then went onto fight a Kyokoshin blackbelt in the final, and became middleweight champion!
From the seeding it appeared Ben was being lined up to fight last years champion, There was a lot of weight difference between some of the heavyweights some 15/20kgs. Ben didn’t have too much trouble with his first two opponents and did meet last years champion in the final. This turned into a real battle of the Titans, going one way and then the other, they fought all three rounds with Ben ultimately taking the decision and becoming the Heavyweight Champion
Post Tournament
Not too many bruises except poor old Oliviers groin which sustained those nasty kicks! All the fighters were high on adrenalin and exhilarated with the whole experience, a truly fantastic effort put in by our guys and the whole tournament which was well organised. We were escorted to a local restaurant next to a lake where we could hear the frog chorus in the dark. A lovely meal was provided and we had a lovely social evening.
The following day there was the Gassaku for all Shidokan Kyu grades (other karate styles present,including Enshin, Bakuran juku and Kancho held a grading for the Sri Lankan Blackbelts. This was well attended, we filled the hall, wall to wall and everyone had to stand and train closely together. As we train Kancho reminds us that as we feel pain we must LAUGH, and he gives out bellowing laughter, and we all try to laugh with him even though our muscles are crying in pain!
Later in the Afternoon the Sri Lankans hold a Sayonara party for our imminent departure and for Kancho’s birthday. They had made a banner with old photos of Kancho through the years and previous achievements, much to his amusement he explains to us about each in turn. He was then duly presented with a large birthday cake, candles, the works! Kancho is presented with a variety of presents from our hosts and from ourselves, this then leads into a wonderful exchange of gifts between everyone. A dinner party is then laid on by our host Lakmal and his team, too much food!
Departure & reflections
As the evening came to a close, so we had to prepare to leave for the airport. We go to pack and head off, taking Kancho and the Japanese group to Columbo airport and we stay in a hotel overnight prior to an early flight.
We all felt that strong bonds have been made with such wonderful people, it was sad to leave. Wow, Sri Lanka what a trip!!!, we thank you and your karateka, true spirit and dedication. We look forward to returning next year… |
