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The first Chito-Ryu Karate Tournament to be held in Sydney for many years was a great success. The Gold Coast was represented by 6 competitors (Adam Higgins, Anthony Horgan, Tasi Schiffers, Bina Schiffers, Kathleen Smith, Dakota Smith and 2 table officials (Kym Schiffers & Tanya Vincent).

As always at Chito-Ryu Tournaments the event is preceded by the ICKFA seminar which was held on the Saturday. Noonan Sensei focused on ensuring that all movements came from the tanden when stepping. The next exercise focused on the correct method of performing a punch with a particular focus on keeping the sholder down and using shuburi to lock the technique in. The all levels seminar was followed by a brown and black belt training session were the lessons from the previous session were applied to Henshuho. For Tasi this was a great experience as it was the first time she had participated in a brown and black belt session and the henshuho was new to her.

Gold Coast Karate Team for the Sydney Regional Tournament
Back Row: Sensei Adam Higgins, Tasi Schiffers, Anthony Horgan
Front Row: Dakota Smith, Kathleen Smith, Bina Schiffers

The tournament on the Sunday kicked of with the first kata division were Dakota competed for the first time in an interstate tournament, missing out on moving through to the 2nd round. Kathleen and Bina were next up again just missing out on moving through to the next round. The first medals of the day came in the 3rd - 1st Kyu Kata were Anthony Horgan took out first performing Basai, and Tasi took 3rd place performing Seisan. For both this was the first time they had performed their respective kata in competition. In the Black Belt Kata Sensei Adam took 3rd place. In the 3rd Kyu + Team Kata Sensei Adam, Anthony & Tasi combined to take out the Gold Medal.

Anthony Horgan taking 1st place with the kata Basai.

The lunch time interval was followed by the demonstrations were Sensei Adam and Anthony demonstrated the kata Niseishi Dai along with the bunkai, followed by a demonstration of the hard conditioning aspect of the kata were Anthony tested Sensei Adam's focus and condition with the use of a Shinai across various parts of the body. The next demonstration was performed by Bill Ker Sensei who showed a version of the kata using Basai. Martin and Sandra Phillips Sensei demonstrated the Chito-Ryu Bo kata Sakugawa no Kon. The final demonstartion of kata was performed by Noonan Honbucho, who showed the power he is able to develop through natural movement.

Anthony Horgan demonstrating Niseishi Bunkai with Sensei Adam Higgins

Dakota Smith was up first in kumite putting on a good display and just missing out on a medal. Kathleen also performed well, unlucky to miss out on a medal in the battle for 3rd place. The first medal for the Gold Coast came in the 12-13 year girls were Bina showed great technique to take out the gold medal. In the 14-17 year girls Tasi Schiffers won her first fight, but lost her second fight to take 2nd place, Tasi continues to improve each fight, showing greater control and understanding with each match she participates in. In the Open Men's Kumite after a number of fights Anthony took out 3rd place, and Sensei Adam won the gold.

Sensei Adam vs Sensei Shane Ker in the Open Kumite.

The final event of the day was the Team Kumite, up for grabs was the inaugural Sydney Regional Tournament Team Kumite Shield. The final was between the Sydney and Gold Coast with the Gold Coast team of Sensei Adam, Anthony & Tasi winning 2-1. The shield is now on the wall of the dojo until next year!

Team Kumite Champions with Bill Ker Sensei

Congratulations to:-

Gold Coast Teams
1st - 3rd Kyu + Team Kata (Adam Higgins, Anthony Horgan, Tasi Schiffers)
1st - Open Team Kumite (Adam Higgins, Anthony Horgan, Tasi Schiffers)

Adam Higgins
1st - Men's Open Kumite
3rd - Black Belt Kata

Anthony Horgan
1st – 3rd-1st Kyu Kata
3rd - Men's Kumite Open

Tasi Schiffers
2nd - 14-17yrs Girls Kumite
3rd – 3rd-1st Kyu Kata

Bina Schiffers
1st - 12-13yrs Girls Kumite

Related Links
For more photos visit the 2008 Tournament Photo Gallery.
Competition Results Honour Board