Hey gang,

At the very last minute, we got wind of this tournament which was
suprisingly close by yet we ourselves were unaware of it for the last
4 years. There were scheduling problems which prevented much prior
notice of this event unless you were used to going every year and were
expecting it, you would never have known about it intime. For us it
was sheer chance. The facility was small and cramped. I was explained
to that this was an emergency choice. Their regular location was
suddenly unavailable to them and they themselves found out at the last
minute that they had the go ahead to host the location at their
present spot. The fees were decent considering. A 3 for 1 deal. They
offered prize money in several divs which I thought was nice. Though I
arrived too late for weapons. I settled for forms and sparring as did
Saboto Trent.
I'd say our blackbelt kata div was a low point of our day. The Judging
was substandard and preferential. Both myself and Saboto placed dead
last which was ludicris at best. You know its bad when the guys who
placed higher than us wondered what the hell was the judges thinking
in regards to our low scores not to mention the audience. Even the
promotor himself gave me the impression that he was uncomfortable with
our lowest placings and tried make it up to us by giving us both byes
in the sparring div. Blackbelt sparring was novel in that it was held
in a regulation boxing ring. Being a money tournament, naturally
the "Big guns" came out to win the cash. I drew the eventual grand
champ in my first match, Saboto was eleiminated in a heartbreaker
which left us facing each other yet again for 3rd and 4th. Making the
best of it, we put on a show but fully intended to defeat the other.
To my surprise Saboto pulled it off and won an upset. Breaking my
streak against him. Despite the dreadful kata judging I intend to come
back to this tournament. I still learned a lot and am curious about an
experiment I may perform next year in the kata div.

Cheers!

Mel