LOS ANGELES – Karate Master Teruyuki Okazaki, 10th Dan and Master Yutaka Yaguchi, 9th Dan both of whom founded the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) will be in attendance at the ISKF’s 30th Annual US National Karate Championships. This annual tournament brings together top competitors in the country to match their skills and be judged by masters of the art.
This year’s National Karate Championships Los Angeles takes place at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel in Los Angeles, CA from Friday, November 15th to Saturday, November 16th 2008. Actually a double tournament, the ISKF National Championships and National Collegiate Tournament started in 1978 in New Orleans. Competitors attend from all regions of the United States. The tournament consists of 300 competitors, with divisions for men, women, children and college students. Each region sends a number of contestants who have been convened from regional elimination competitions. The event takes place over two days, with the final matches and majority of spectators attending the second day.
President Bush, Mayor Villaraigosa, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki have all sent welcome letters to the athletes and spectators welcoming them to the city of Los Angeles and wishing them best of luck during competition. In addition to competition, the ISKF will be offering two training seminars at the tournament. The first, Black Belt and Core Color Seminar will be on Friday, November 15th at 7PM and the second, Instructor trainee class will be held on Sunday, November 17th at 9AM. The addition of these seminars is to help educate the public about karate and also assist in the development of the tournaments competitors.
“Worldwide there are hundreds of thousands of karate competitors who look forward to showcasing their talent and skill levels annually at our national competitions. Events like the National Tournaments allow us to raise critical awareness, education and development to support their ongoing training,” said Ramie Ostrovsky, the tournament’s Publicity Chairman. “Our gracious sponsors, event attendees, performers and volunteers have helped us to raise awareness since our inception in 1978.”
The National Tournaments represent a culmination of many years of dedicated study and rigorous training on behalf of karate practitioners across the country. The event will bring athletes, spectators, visitors, coaches and dignitaries from all over the United States together for competition at the highest and most respected athletic level.
How to Attend
For tickets and information, call (310) 486-4614.
About ISKF
The ISKF (International Shotokan Karate Federation) is found in over 80 countries and throughout the United States. The Community Karate Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of providing and supporting community health and welfare through study and training in karate.
