YOSHIDA CUP
4 students traveled to Portland, Oregon to compete at the 32nd Yoshida Cup on March 17-18, 2018. The tournament was filled with excitement, nerves, learning experiences and life learning skills. We had the opportunity to meet former Japan's WKF World Champions. Let's not forget lots of Laughs!!!!! I got a chance to practice my ironing skills. We had a chance to have dinner with students from IKF Kitsap. Izel and Brandon captured gold in kata against a fierce competition along with $300 each in scholarship funds. Ana and Catalina did awesome competing against black belts. The team came home with 2 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze and some famous Yoshida Teriyaki Sauce & $600 bucks. So proud of everyone. The journey continues with IKF. Keep pushing your limits.
AMAS KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
A small group of IKF athletes traveled over the San Francisco Bay bridge to compete at the AMAS Karate Championships on March 25, 2018. The team walked away with 2 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. A total of 11 medals. Edmond Zhou took gold in kata and Sean Whitfield captured a gold medal over Koji Fidel in kumite. My 2 fierce little girls Emma and Alexis took home 2 silver medals each. The team was coached by Brandon Ujimori who did a great job.
Jr. International, Ozawa Cup & US Open
IKF takes Las Vegas by storm. 3 tournaments in 3 days Junior International Cup, Ozawa Cup and US Open. I am so proud of all the students for their accomplishments. Their hard work and commitment paid off. They were AMAZING! A big thank you to Sensei Branden Clary coming from Los Angeles and Sensei Chelcie for spending her Spring Break and helping coach all the students. I couldn't have done it without both of you. It was great to see IKF Hawaii there too. Thank you Sensei George for your help and encouragement this past weekend. The IKF students hit the jackpot taking home 16 gold, 11 silver & 17 bronze. Total 44 medals. Fantastic. Edmond Zhou was the big winner claiming 3 gold medal and 1 bronze. The highlight of the tournament I must say was Kevin Deloso winning a gold medal in kumite. His battle in the ring, but more importantly his struggle outside the ring demonstrates the true character of a CHAMPION. Thank you parents for your ongoing support and dedication. I am truly blessed to have wonderful parents and outstanding students. The journey continues.
USANKF QUALIFIER
IKF Boom! 27 Gold, 14 Silver and 10 Bronze. IKF Team was led by Edmond Zhou and Javon Ott taking 3 gold medals each. Izel Castillo and Kevin Deloso walked away with 2 gold and 1 silver. Awesome job everyone. So proud of you ALL. Shout out to our coaches Brandon, Izel, Kevin and Grant working hard getting all the students ready and giving them great advice. Our referee crew Hilliard, Shimanouchi & Friend were da bomb today Thank you again parents who helped with the tables. You women are the BEST!
The road to nationals continues and the journey together is priceless. Back to the dojo on Monday and let's work to be better than we were today.
Okaigan Karate Championships
12 students traveled to San Jose to compete at the Okaigan Karate Championships on May 6,2018. Javon Ott captured ALL gold! The team overall earned 10 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze, Awesome Job. A big thank you to Kevin Deloso who helped coach the students. Sensei Brian and Isaac handled all the officiating.
ISF Gymnasiade High School Games
The ISF High School Games were held in Marakesh, Morocco. 7 athletes from the United States participated. 59 different countries and 4,000 athletes from all different sports gathered. The opening ceremonies was fantastic to witness. Izel Castillo was chosen as a female athlete to march holding the USA Flag. It was incredible. The competition started May 4-5. Words cant express how proud I am of Izel and Brandon who were the only athletes to stand on the podium. They both represented USA and IKF proudly. Izel captured a bronze in kata. Brandon was the only athlete in the tournament to earn 2 medals. Bronze in kata and a silver in kumite. The USA/AAU team not only did they gain valuable experience from competition but learned about the life style and culture of Morocco. The view and sites were beautiful and breath taking. We had FUN! ATV was a blast, Camel ride was interesting and the hike was amazing. The journey continues with IKF!
25th Annual Sacramento Karate Championships
June 9, 2012 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Sacramento Karate Championships! Always the busiest week of the year but most fulfilling! This would not have been possible without all the IKF students and parents who continue to work countless hours before and during the event. It's been 25 years since we moved to Sacramento and we are so blessed to have met so many amazing families that have become part of the IKF Family. Thank you Gino Bough for coordinating the photo book it was beautiful to read every ones message. I truly appreciate it. Love you all!!! Until next year...… The students did fantastic. 59 gold, 38 silver & 38 bronze. 8 Outstanding and 6 Scholarship Awards.
XXXII Sr. Pan American Championships 24 USA athletes traveled to Santiago, Chile to compete at the Sr. Pan American Championships on June 14-17, 2018. It was cold as ice in the venue but the USA team stuck together and competed with passion. It's been a long time since the USA dominated this event. USA placed first in the Overall Team Standing. Brian Hilliard captured a silver medal in the Men's Team Kumite.
AAU NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
6 IKF students travel to sunny city Ft. Laurderdale, Florida to compete at the 2018 AAU National Karate Championships. Tournament started June 27-30. I was able to spend my birthday with my students which made my trip worth it!! Seraphine Wingwood lead the team with 5 gold and 1 silver medal. With hard work, sacrifice, dedication and commitment the team came away with 17 gold, 11 silver and 2 bronze. Total 30 medals!!! So proud of everyone. Isaac and Izel coached the team as well as helped with the IKF Hawaii group. They worked hard all week. Thank you parents for your support and cheering but most importantly keeping our bellies full. 10 IKF Hawaii students walked away with 20 gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze. We were able to meet some of the greatest instructors at this event. Between them all there was over 300-400 years of karate experience. After the tournament we all needed a break. Sunshine, beach, alligator hunting and zzzzzzzzz. The journey continues. Let's work to be better than we were yesterday. IKF is flying high!!!
IKF students travel over the summit tom compete at the NKF National Karate Championships in Reno, Nevada. 4 days of fierce competition. Not only did our students work hard for their medals but our parents worked the tables during the competition. it was really a team effort this past weekend. After the dust cleared IKF students came home with 10 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals. Izel and Brandon made the USA Jr. National team that will be heading Brazil for the Pan American Championships. It was awesome to practice and compete along with IKF Hawaii. They did GREAT!!!! Double gold winners were Reiko, Edmond & Sean. Cesar performed like a trooper moving up an age group because there was no athlete in his own division. It didn't stop him from earning 3 medals in the 9yr, boys advance division. Thank you coaches and Jr. Black Belts for helping with all the students warming up and preparing them for competition. To all the parents thank you so much for all your help and support over the past 3 months. Win or Lose I am so proud of you ALL! Let's learn from our mistakes and move forward together and lets find a way to get better together!
