Photos: Shotocup Hosts Kazumi Karate Open

November 18, 2024 | 0 Comments

The Shotocup team hosted the 3rd Annual Kazumi Karate Open at the Whitney Institute, bringing together the island’s most talented karate practitioners for a day of electrifying competition and celebration of martial arts.

A spokesperson said, “This prestigious tournament, named in honor of the late Sensei Kazumi Tabata, continues to shine as a pivotal event in Bermuda’s martial arts calendar.

“The event was also hosted by the Tabata-Ha Dojo, a cornerstone of Bermuda’s karate community that has a direct lineage to Sensei Kazumi Tabata himself. The dojo, under the expert direction of Charles Butterfield, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Sensei Tabata and his contributions to martial arts in Bermuda.

“The Kazumi Karate Open is more than just a competition; it’s a showcase of Bermuda’s youth excelling, demonstrating discipline, sportsmanship, and the beauty of karate. Today’s event brought together competitors from diverse age groups and skill levels, and we are incredibly proud of the performances that embodied the true spirit of martial arts.

“The tournament saw Toni Cabral dominate the day with multiple victories, including claiming gold in the Over 21 Advanced Male Kata division and winning the Advanced Kata Combine. Cabral’s commanding performance secured him a position as one of the tournament’s standout athletes. Talia Fox also retained her title as the reigning champion in the Over 21 Advanced Female Kata, delivering a stunning display that captivated both the judges and audience alike.

“The event also celebrated emerging talent, as Ethan White, a novice competitor, made waves by stepping up to compete in the Under 10 Intermediate Male Kata division, where he clinched gold with an exceptional performance that showcased his promising future. The Shotocup spokesperson added, “Ethan’s win exemplifies the strength and determination of our younger generation, and we can’t wait to see what he achieves next.”

“Special mention goes to the Bermuda Uechi-Ryu Academy, one of the Bermuda Karate Federation’s newest member dojos, whose students showcased their hard work and training with multiple gold medals. Tobiah Goodchild led the charge, securing gold in the Under 15 Advanced Male Kata and the Advanced Youth Kobudo Male division, with his outstanding performance solidifying his reputation as a top-level athlete.

“The Kumite divisions were no less exciting, with Michael Burges defeating Tre’ Simmons in a thrilling matchup to claim gold in the Under 21 Advanced Male Kumite. Burges, a standout competitor from the Shorikan dojo, continued to display his prowess across multiple divisions. The Under 10 Novice Kumite division saw a fierce battle between Chan Simons and Arlo Hollis, with Simons securing the top spot in a display of courage and focus.”

2024 Kazumi Karate Open Results

Kata Divisions

Over 21 Advanced Male Kata