September 4, 2008
2008 Wadokai World Karate Championships
It's Lawrence again and I just thought I would explain what Richard and I did this past summer.
August 21-23 was the 2008 Wadokai World Karate Championships in Vancouver, Canada. The Wadokai is one of the four main karate style associations under the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF) teaching the popular Wado-ryu style.
Both Richard and I competed as members of Team Canada in these World Championships which saw competitors from over 13 countries shoot for top spots in many different divisions.
Richard competed in Men's Individual Kata, Men's Over 35 Individual Kata, and Team Kata.
I competed in Men's Individual Kata, and Team Kata (with Richard and one other friend, we represented Team Canada).
And I'm very happy to say that we came home with some medals.
Richard got a bronze in Men's Individual Kata, 4th place in the Over 35 division, and gold in Team Kata.
As for myself, I got a silver in Men's Individual Kata and, like Richard, the gold medal in Team Kata as part of Team Canada.
The tournament was a really great experience for both of us and because it was in Vancouver, it was a chance for us to be back in our hometown and see all our friends and family at the same time.
-Lawrence