A few days were needed for acclimatization at the hotel and the last pre-start touches. Two days were spent at the competition with such high levels of adrenaline and a few days were spent sightseeing where I was most impressed by: Universal Studios, Disneyland, Beverly Hills, Santa Monika, San Diego, Sea World and the famous walk of fame with the stars, where I got to see Bruce Lee's star and those of many other famous actors. We also had some time to meet the Polish community living in the USA and talk about many topics that were of interest to us.
Polish Karate Association National Team.
During the two days of the IKA World Cup, over 2,000 competitors from 30 countries competed against each other; The United States, Japan, Argentina, Italy, France, India, Nepal, Peru, Canada, as well as Brazil, Uruguay and Armenia, and many other countries. The IKA World Cup was combined with the solemn celebration of the 60th anniversary of martial arts by Soke Takayuki Kubota 10 dan IKA founder on the 47th anniversary of the International Karate Association. The importance of the event and the position of Soke Kubota in world karate is evidenced by the fact that personal letters of congratulations were sent by the President of the USA, Bill Clinton, California Governor Gray Davis, Los Angeles Mayor Richard Jiordan and members of the US Senate and Congress.
July 8 was a day of sporting struggles for the children and youth, in which competitors from our representation took part. In heavily staffed events, a few brushed against the medal position, beating several competitors along the way. Unfortunately, the day ended without any medals.July 9 was the day of seniors' struggles. The level of individual kata seniors was very high, I managed to qualify for the second round. After completing the second kata, I missed a few tenths of a point to be among the six best competitors in the world in the third and final round. In the senior team kata competition, the start of our team (Me, Tomasz Byjos and Andrzej Byjos) was unfortunately unsuccessful; it was because of an injury caused to Andrzej (tearing of the quadricep muscle during training just before the start).
We fight on the tatami but we are friends after.
The time had come, for my favourite individual seniors kumite category, in which I won the silver medal. In the final, in the fight for gold, in the fifth second of the fight I hit my opponent's head too hard and in this way, I was disqualified and automatically had no chance of winning the gold medal. Roda Kuratomi came first. On the way to win the silver medal, I had to fight six times, and only my category was completed over five tatamis.
The second silver medal from our team was won by Tomasz Byjos in the senior kata kobudo competition. Tomek is a specialist in this field, I knew he would get a medal. The question before the competition was just what colour will this medal have. The rest of the seniors representing the Polish Karate Association competed that day with varying happiness, sometimes brushing against the podium. Tomasz Piotrkowicz was the manager and coach of the national team.
Universal Studios is the most popular tourist attraction in the suburbs of Los Angeles. It is home to the entire town of Universal studios, where cult movies and series are produced every day. In addition, there is also a theme park, referring to the most famous Universal productions.
Disneyland
When I walked through the Disneyland gates it felt like I was entering another world. Disneyland is a colorful and cheerful fairy-tale land near Los Angeles, where you need to spend at least one day visiting.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is certainly one of the largest and most visited attractions in all of California. Currently, the number of stars on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vina Street exceeds 2,500 and is constantly growing.
Sea World focuses on inhabiting animals from the seas and oceans. I have seen roller coasters there, but the main emphasis is always on shows or exhibitions dedicated to animals, especially orcs and dolphins.
History! In 2000 I opened my first Taekwondo WTF dojang (dojo) in Poland. Different life path finally directed me to London in 2003. I met Sensei Jacek in 2012. After many years with a different martial arts background it was amazing experience to learn Shotokan Karate from the best of the best. Every class was exciting and full of passion.
1. This is the second time you are posting about the ‘IKA’ – what exactly is it and is it still around today?
2. It’s nice to see the photographs from the past – do you keep in touch with your past teammates?
3. You have mentioned Bruce Lee’s name specifically. Does this have any significance in your life?
4. What kind of training cause Andrzej’s injury which prevented him from competing?