The 17th Annual International Karate League (IKL) Karate Championship returns Nov. 2 at Old Airport’s Kekuaokalani Gymnasium in Kailua-Kona. Approximately 100 competitors of various age groups are expected from traditional Karate schools around the Big Island and across the state.
The 17th Annual International Karate League (IKL) Karate Championship returns Nov. 2 at Old Airport’s Kekuaokalani Gymnasium in Kailua-Kona. Approximately 100 competitors of various age groups are expected from traditional Karate schools around the Big Island and across the state.
“This tournament perpetuates the ancient martial art of karate and its cultural values,” Tournament Director Julian SHIROMA said. “Through Karate, our students develop discipline and a strong work ethic, and become upstanding citizens of Hawaii’s communities. If you wish to participate, please visit IKL.org.”
Audience admission is free. Kicking off at 9 a.m. and ending at approximately 3:30 p.m., the tournament features competition in three events: Kata (forms), Kobudo (weapons) and Kumite (sparring) with medals given to first, second and third places, plus fourth-place medals in selected divisions. In addition to medals, competitors will be vying for the prestigious Most Outstanding Karate Competitor Perpetual Trophy and the Most Outstanding Dojo Perpetual Trophy.
The event is hosted by the IKL’s two dojos in Kona. The Captain Cook Dojo is under the direction of Sensei Jenna Shiroma, and the Kailua-Kona Dojo is under Sensei Roland Yamamoto. The IKL, with dojos across the State of Hawai’i and various mainland states, is headed by its Founder and Chief Instructor, Shihan (Master) Walter K. Nishioka, who resides in Pearl City.
For more information, please visit IKL.org
