ITKF International Traditional Karate Camp in San Diego 2012
After a two year absence the International Traditional Karate Federation reintroduced its tradition of holding an International training and qualification summer camp at the UCSD campus in San Diego. On 10-15 July 2012 a Polish karate team has participated in the ITKF International Traditional Karate Camp in San Diego (USA). Members of the Polish team: Wlodzimierz Kwiecinski (Chairman of the Traditional Karate Federation of Poland), judges: Andrzej Olech, Jozef Raczka and competitors: Malgorzata Baranowska, Justyna Marciniak, Damian Stasiak, Witold Kwiecinski and Rafal Wajda.
“Following the passing of our Founding President, Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, our organization went through a natural reorganization and evaluation of our activities and purpose. The Board of Directors determined that it was important to expand the qualification process to other continents and regions around the world in order to provide greater opportunities for Traditional Karate practitioners to become involved,” said ITKF President and Chairman, Richard Jorgensen.
“We used our resources to create an International Program in Brazil and in Poland. We used our energy to ensure these were successful and sustainable. Once that was accomplished we returned our focus to re-establishing our long tradition of the San Diego Summer Camp at UCSD.”
Jorgensen said, “I am very proud of the effort and support we have received from everyone. We were able to reintroduce the International Program at UCSD with the participation of 12 countries including, Chile, France, Canada, Columbia, Morocco, Mexico, Poland, Republic of Rwanda, Romania, Serbia, USA and Venezuela. This was a very exciting and satisfying Camp for our organization.”
The program was conducted by the ITKF Technical Committee led by its Chairman, Sensei Richard Jorgensen, 7 Dan ITKF (Canada) and ITKF Vice President, Sensei Włodzimierz Kwiecinski, 7 Dan ITKF (Poland). Sensei Kwiecinski summed up the emotion felt by the participants throughout the week. “I had an impression that Sensei (Nishiyama) was going to enter the gym at any moment, or knock on the door and enter the office at anytime. Everyone felt his spirit present – it was fantastic.”
The program focused primarily on the technical aspects of Budo and the skills and knowledge necessary for judges and athletes participating in the ITKF World Championships which will be held in Łódź, Poland, October 6-7, 2012. Dr. Vladimir Jorga (Serbia), Chairman of the ITKF Medical Commission, presented the health, safety and medical aspects of the program.
In addition, this year’s Summer Camp featured the 1st Nishiyama Memorial Cup to honour the passing of the late Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, Founding President of the ITKF and world renowned Traditional Karate Master. The tournament followed the competition format of the ITKF World Cup. The results of the competition are as follows:
Women:
1. Justyna Marciniak (Poland)
2. Malgorzata Baranowska (Poland)
3. Heather Nelson (Canada)
4. Marina Evans (Canada)
Men:
1. Rafal Wajda (Poland)
2. Taichiro Kaijima (USA)
3. Damian Stasiak (Poland)
4. Todd Parker (Canada)
5-8.
Francisco Fuentealba (Chile)
Thomas El Marhomy (France)
Koichi Sakai (Chile)
Mike Tchozewski (Canada)
The athletes were honoured to receive their awards from Mrs. Yohko Nishiyama, the wife of the late Sensei Nishiyama and their daughter Nami.
The next Summer Camp in San Diego will place from July 12 (arrival) to 19 (departure), 2013 at UCSD Campus.
