News
Fukuda Kata Championship
October 17, 2009
Photo courtesy of Arik Dao
On October 17, 2009, the 21st Annual Fukuda International Kata Tournament was held in San Jose, CA at the Buddhist Temple. Teams from all over the United States, Canada, and as far away as Japan came to show their kata (pre-arranged forms) and compete for medals in the seven Kodokan katas (Ju no Kata - Forms of Gentleness; Nage no Kata - Forms of Throwing; Katame no Kata - Forms of Grappling; Goshin Jitsu - Self Defense Techniques; Kime no Kata - Forms of Decisiveness; Koshiki no Kata - Forms of Antiquity; and Itsutsu no Kata - Forms of Five). The tournament is organized by Soko Joshi Judo Club of San Francisco, whose teacher is also the Tournament Director, Ms. Keiko Fukuda, Kodokan 9th Dan, the highest ranked woman ever in judo, and the last living student from the time of Master Jigoro Kano.
Kata is the only part of judo where a judoka may practice techniques from one of the three major categories of judo, Atemi Waza - Striking Techniques. The other two categories, Nage Waza – Throwing Techniques, and Katame Waza – Grappling Techniques, are also amply represented throughout the forms. This year, 24 judoka competed at the Tournament in teams of two people: both male, both female, and also coed teams. There were fifteen judges who helped at the tournament, who came from many different places. Two came from Japan, one from Norway, others from Los Angeles, Virginia, San Diego, Washington, etc. Sensei Eiko Shepherd, 7th Dan, was in attendance and helped greatly with emceeing and technical judging issues, as she has for so many years.
We want to acknowledge the recent passing of the beloved sensei, Yosh Senda of Alberta, Canada, who came to judge at our tournament for many years and also has brought students to compete many times. He and his wife were always gracious and helpful; two of his students came to compete this year, which showed great dedication and courage on their part, and we really appreciate their participation very much.
Our turnout this year was a bit lower than usual, partly because there was another major international kata tournament taking place the same weekend in Malta in Europe, the (World Masters??), sponsored by IJF. We are researching scheduling for next year to avoid such conflicts if possible.
Soko Joshi Judo Club wishes to thank all who helped and participated. As usual, Soko Joshi and other local clubs hosted an onsite buffet lunch for all participants after the tournament. It is always a festive occasion to enjoy food with our judo friends from all over the world. Special thanks to all helpers from San Jose Buddhist, Palo Alto, and many other local judo clubs: score recorders, scoreroom staff, kitchen helpers, and most especially the early-rising mat set up crew. Fukuda Sensei was very happy that the tournament went well, with so many participants showing the forms at a high level of proficiency, even given the tough economic times and the schedule conflict with the tournament in Europe.
Comments, questions, or to get on the mailing list for next year, please email to Pam at sokojoshi@yahoo.com.
View Photos from the Championship