Clad in stark white gis in belts of different colors, competitors from throughout California and beyond descended on the Dixon High School gym Saturday for the annual US Ryukyukan International Karate and Kobudo Tournament hosted by Dixon’s Ramtown Karate.
Excitement ran high as students from myriad dojos practiced movements before being called to the mat in a specified ring.
Once there, it was all business — fluid, focused, flowy business.
Form, skill and execution came into play as competitors as young as 5 (and some decades older) put their learnings on display.
“I think I did well, as best as I could,” shared Jesse Diaz, 16, of Chico, following his showcase of Kobudo skills. “It’s demonstrating what I could do and putting my practice into motion.”
Kobudo is the practice of martial arts with weapons. The morning competition would also include Kata skills, or the practice of a series of training exercises. The evening competition, meanwhile, would include point fighting.
Competitor Neython Saavedra, 16, of Stockton, agreed with Jesse’s sentiments.
Competition, he said, was all about learning, and showing how well you understand your teachings. He did well, Neython said, adding a caveat: “I could improve.”
Jim Ernest, owner of Ramtown Karate, its chief instructor and Dixon’s vice mayor, explained that the tournament, in its 21st year, focuses on traditional Okinawan karate.
Thirty three teams from NorCal, SoCal and Utah came to vie for top titles and prizes, he said, but all get so much more from the event.
“This is a real effort to bring all the teams together, get to know one another, each dojo,” Ernest continued.
Ramtown has brought students to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate, 20 times over the years. The trips have been motivating and inspiring, it seems.
“When they come back, they see things differently,” said Ernest, regarding changes not only in location but cultural experiences. “I think it definitely impacts lives.”
Kevan Shafizadeh of Sacramento, whose son, 11-year-old Carter, was set to compete, said the family enjoys the martial arts experience.
“It’s exciting, it’s fun to watch,” he emphasized. “It’s fun to see all the different kids from all the different dojos.”
He pointed out other “gifts” courtesy of martial arts teachings: “Good citizenship, conflict resolution… All important things.”
Results were unavailable at press time, as the tournament continued into the evening hours, and will be published in a later edition of The Reporter.
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