MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN ARTICLE ON
THE HARLEM KARATE INSTITUTE "2011 MARTIAL ARTS CHALLENGE"
KARATE TOURNAMENT
Written by Franklin Puello
Martialforce.com
Online Magazine
The 2011 MARTIAL ARTS CHALLENGE", hosted by Grand Master ERNEST HYMAN II,
and MASTER ERNEST HYMAN III, on 10/9/2011, at JHS 117, 240 E. 109 Street
NYC, turned out to be a great organized and run Tournament for the enjoyment
of the participant, the audience, and the Senior Grand Masters present in
support.
Although this was an openly advertised event, many of the area's Martial
Artists, for various reasons, were not in attendance in support or as
competitors. In fact, there was a time when there were more senior Masters
in support than actual competitors. Although with great understanding for
circumstances and the present fiscal situation many of us face, this fact
has made me very Curious, and prompts me to ask questions and make
statements based on my observations and personal opinions.
Why is it that at some tournaments there is a very large crowd gathering in
attendance and competition and not in others? Why is it that Martial Arts
Organizations are keeping their membership from competing in Open
Tournaments, when the learning and sharing would be magnified? Have we
forgotten that by not supporting other's events we garnish their support for
our own events?. That we represent ourselves and market our trade mark for
recognition and future support?. That we demonstrate our strong commitment
to the sharing in Budo, not just in our Dojo but in the wide world? It is
time to overlook our perceived differences and start noting our
similarities. This is what will keep The Martial Arts Community strong.
Together in an unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime.
Well then, with time this Tournament got on the way with many competitors'
delayed arrival. The Divisions were small in the number of competitors, but
GM Hyman continued the production of a great Tournament, with a very closed
and comfortable feeling, providing the competitors present with a
magnificent arena for displaying their hard earned skills for competition in
Empty Hand Kata, Weapons Kata, Self Defense, Kumite, and Continuous Kumite.
Another "Treat of a Lifetime" for the competitors, Parents and friends in
attendance was the fact that the competitors were to display their skills in
front of Judging Panel formed by supporting Senior Masters as: Errol
Bennett, Peter Flores Sr., Chester Miller, Wes Geter, Phillip Mcrae, Derrick
Williams, Lauren Bayne, T Dalton, Maxwell, Gerald Gaylor, Alfred Hinds,
Hector Delgado, Dave Thomas, Halbert Lee, and many others. Just mentioning
some of the names in attendance sends chills through my skin. I was really
tempted to go to my car, don my GI, and enter competition just to have the
experience (once again) to be Watched, Judged, Analyzed and Taught afterward
as the humble student I am by these Great and Influential Martial Arts
Masters which would lead to making further improvements and reviewing
lessons in Principles and Performance.
In the continuous Kumite Division we were treated to the most enduring
and controlled fighting seen in a very long time. In this division the
fighters were to engaged in Continuous Kumite for 3 long minutes per round
in a 2 Round fight. this length of time really tested the training,
endurance, and determination of each fighter. All of the contestants faced
the challenge with honor and courage, engaging in their fight with
determination and respect for the opponent. During and after the
eliminations ended, truly there was no One Winner, all the participant were
winners by virtue of their display of techniques, endurance, control and
respect. I personally commend all the participants.
During and after each competition, and as I made observations throughout
the Gymnasium, Senior Masters were spotted engaged in conversation with
youngsters in attendance being imparted knowledge of principles and
techniques in Karate-Do. This Tournament turned out to be a Tournament for
competition and a Seminar where we all received direct and indirect
instructions from the Senior Masters regarding Kata- principles, techniques,
philosophy; Kumite-training, Winning techniques; Budo-Philosophy, Reishiki,
Evolution. Youngsters were specifically instructed further into the mental
and physical aspect of competition. How training should propel one not only
physically, but mentally to deal with stressful situations and remain calm,
how discipline in Karate training should also be used for school, work and
at home with family and friends; approaching the beginning of competition
when one's name is called, etc. and the youngsters were very receptive and
appeared to love the glamor of associating one-on-one with the Senior
Masters. I had a great time sharing with this very close knit brotherhood of
Martial Artists.
Domo Arigato!!
