A 10-person team from West Island Karate made it safely across Montreal's bridges ;-) to attend the Coupe des Samurais tournament on the south shore.  Hosted by Sensei Alexandre Haché of Karaté IDS, the tournament featured "one matches" (single, three-round, semi-contact fights) for each junior competitor as well as "elite" kata (kata performed by green belts and up only) for both juniors and seniors.  This was followed by a full contact/knockdown competition for adults in the evening.  Our entire team was well prepared and competed hard.  Predictably, there were some victories and there were some defeats.  But as Sensei John always emphasizes to all his students, they are already winners by virtue of simply competing...irrespective of the outcome.  Anyone who has ever competed in a Kyokushin karate tournament knows the tremendous effort required to prepare for such an undertaking.  The training can be physically (and mentally) grueling, so it takes great discipline and a steadfast perseverance.  Perhaps even more daunting is the prospect of stepping into the ring to test yourself against an opponent who has trained just as hard - all the while being judged and critiqued by other high-level karateka as well as an audience of spectators (most of whom are non-practitioners).  To say this requires courage (and a thick skin) would be a monumental understatement!  For those who have challenged themselves in this way, the greatest reward - arguably - might be that their karate skills have been raised to another level through all the preparation, as well as the invaluable life experience garnered through testing those skills in competition.  Those very significant gains will stay with them long after a tournament is over.  All of us at West Island Karate would like to salute our entire team of competitors.  You are all truly winners and you have the undying respect of your fellow karateka.  OSU!  Click on the picture above to see David Boily's spectacular photos of the tournament (much appreciated Dave...as always).  And stay tuned to our Videos page for some footage of our team in action...coming soon.  

2012 got off to a flying start at West Island Karate's annual New Year's Training.  This year Sensei John was very happy to welcome Shihan Max Ferraiolo (Kyokushin Budokai), Sensei Hugo Perez (Karate Perez), Sensei Fouad El Harrif (Karaté Kyokushin St-Luc) and Sensei Alexandre Haché (Karaté IDS) as well as some of their Sempais and students to our event.  In addition, we were joined once again by two Sempais from Russo Dojo (Sensei Vittorio Russo).  In total, we numbered 75 and it was truly an honor to train alongside and learn from all these wonderful Kyokushin karateka.  Sincere thanks to all of them for taking the time to attend our first training of the new year.  Fortunately our own Anne-Marie Lemieux was on hand to snap some great shots of the event (thanks so much A-M).  Just click on the photo above to see her photo album.  Happy New Year to everyone!  May your year be filled with health, prosperity, great trainings and much laughter.  Osu!