The prestigious All American Open Championships was once again held in New York City in USA. A total of 44 competitors made their entry to the Men's Open Division. The fact that more than half of them experienced the last year's World Tournament brought a huge challenge to each fighter and of course, lots of excitement to the crowds. Among the fighters were several big names such as Eduardo Tanaka (Brazil),  Zahari Damyanov (Bulgaria), Kryszytof Habraszka (Poland), Alejandro Navarro (Spain) and Anderson Da Silva (Brazil). The caliber was quite high as someone called the event "Mini World Tournament".

Michi Nagase who represented the western side of Canada teamed up with fighters from Montreal as soon as we arrived at Hunter College. His first opponent was a fighter from Swaziland. Michi moved in close and began striking the stomach with his favorites Shita-zuki (body cuts). The opponent tried to respond with Mawashi Geri (roundhouse kicks) but was forced to back up as he appeared to feel Michi's body blows. A score of 5-0 was declared by the judges, sending Michi to the next round.

The Team Canada met again since the World Tournament.

One will have to win at least five times to be the champion of the event, but for Michi, the next fight was considered as his final match of the day because it was a match against Tanaka. Eduardo Tanaka of Brazil is recognized in the international circuit as one of the strongest Kyokushin contestants. His shining tournament records include 1st place in 2005 All American Open and 7th in the 9th World Tournament.

Michi stepped in close to Tanaka and began exchanging short punches with his opponent. The Brazilian aimed to the right leg with Gedan Mawashi (low kicks). We expected this move from him as we had seen Tanaka effectively utilize the right low kick as a leading technique in the past tournaments. Michi adjusted a distance in order to avoid the kick and succeeded. However, Tanaka did not waste his time to switch targeting spots. He began attacking the body with Chudan Mawashi (middle roundhouse kicks). A couple of them landed clear. The kick was so devastating that the sound it made echoed through the entire gym. Michi, however, did not show any sign of the impact. He just kept shooting out Shita-zuki to Tanaka's body. The Brazilian doubled up the middle kick and tried to corner his prey. Michi was once pushed out of the bound at the end of the match. Then, a score of 5-0 was declared in favor of Tanaka.

Although Michi lost, he gained a great amount of confidence by fighting a full round with the top fighter in the world. There will be three more All American Opens before the next World Tournament in 2011. We keep challenging like an alpinist struggles to climb a mountain. We may not be able to see the summit but we must not give up before even trying, because that's the Kyokushin Way.

I would like to thank IKO for organizing such a great event as this. There were many great fights seen and new friendships created through the course of the day. I would like to congratulate Shihan Andre Gilbert for executing a beautiful demonstration and receiving 7th degree black belt from Kancho at the opening ceremony. It was certainly one of the highlights of the event. I would also like to thank Sempais Katrina, Tony, Alex, Mark and Curtis for their help in running classes while my absence. Without their support, we would never be able to participate in these tournaments. Thank you. Osu.

Tats Nakamura
Vancouver Kyokushin Karate

Official results

1st      ZAHARI DAMYANOV – BULGARIA

2^ND     SERGIO DA COSTA – BRAZIL

3^RD     EDUARDO TANAKA – BRAZIL

4^TH     ANDERSON DA SILVA – BRAZIL

5^th      Kryszytof Habraszka – Poland

6^th      Alejandro Navarro – Spain

7^th      Pablo Estensoro – Spain

8^th      Slawomir Was – USA

Click the poster to visit the event organizer's web site for the official results of all divisions.
Photos are up on www.europeankyokushin.org