Successful Inter-club Tournament 2022 in the year of the 50th Anniversary of Kofukan

On Sunday 6 November 2022, 100 competitors and their families descended on the Kwinana Recquatic Centre to compete in the annual Perth Kofukan Inter-Club Tournament. Feedback from competitors and parents was that it was a fun and friendly event, with many students walking away with a haul of medals around their neck.

Competitors aged four to 40 competed in kumite, kata and team kata events. All eight Western Australian dojos were represented, including a contingent of 11 competitors and two referees from our Kalgoorlie club.

The inter-club tournament is a developing event, giving any student a chance to get on the tatami (mat) and give it a go. It also gives instructors and brown belts more experience in official roles like refereeing.

2022 is the 50th anniversary year of the beginnings of Kofukan. To celebrate the occasion, a special cake was presented and every competitor received a cupcake in Kofukan colours! Sensei Don McKay, as Chairperson of the Kofukan Australia association, also gave a speech reflecting on the year and thanking volunteers, competitors and families for their involvement and support. Sensei Don also read out a message from our International President, Shihan Keiji Tomiyama (reproduced below the photos). The lunch break also included a board breaking activity run by Sensei Don involving all students,

As we wind down 2022 and look to 2023, Kofukan Karate Australia hopes to see more students involved in tournaments, including our next inter-club tournament and in open WA Karate Federation tournaments. Members and families are encouraged to continue fundraising by donating their cans through Containers For Change so that we can continue to buy equipment for members to use and subsidise entry fees.

"First of all, I would like to thank Kofukan Australia again for participating in such a big number at the Kofukan International Cup 2019 held in Japan. Unfortunately, as the name suggests, the Covid-19 virus started towards the end of 2019 and spread rapidly all over the world to become a pandemic. As a result, the Kofukan International Cup 2020 in Denmark was cancelled and most of the activities of Kofukan clubs worldwide ceased. It is only this year that things have started slowly getting back to normality. One event I was very glad to witness this year was the Commonwealth Karate Championship in Birmingham, England in September, at which Kofukan members from New Zealand and Botswana participated as part of their national teams. Kofukan India held its national championship in October and now it is the turn for Kofukan Australia. Although we have been unable to organise the celebration championship, this year is the 50th Anniversary year of Kofukan International. Shihan Omi and I came to Paris to teach Karate in 1972. Since then, while Shihan Omi stayed in Paris, I moved to Belgium, then to England. In 1991, I decided to expand our organization beyond Europe and started travelling to introduce our karate worldwide. In 1992, I came to Perth and met Matthew Beaumont and his group. That was the beginning of Kofukan Australia, so this year is the 30th Anniversary year of Kofukan Australia. So, this is a double celebration! I wish you all a great day!"

K. Tomiyama

President, Kofukan International