NSW Black Belt Open

NSW BLACK BELT OPEN TOURNAMENT

On Saturday August 18 2018, GKR conducted its first ever Black Belt ONLY tournament, the NSW Black Belt Open.

Held in Sydney, the tournament had only four age divisions:

14-17yrs
18-34yrs
35-49yrs
50yrs plus

ROUND ROBIN FORMAT

This tournament was also unique as competitors entered a round robin draw. Divisions spread across multiple rings had a guaranteed 4 or 5 rounds, with winners of each pool moving through to the medal rounds. Meanwhile, divisions conducted on one ring had 6 rounds, with the medals decided by those competitors who accumulated the most points.

GKR Karate Kata at the NSW Black Belt Open

KATA

Kata operated with the flag system as two competitors battled it out at once. The winner of each bout gained 3 points while the loser gained zero points. Each round they performed a different kata of their choosing.

At times, divisions concluded with multiple competitors accruing equal points. For this reason, we had a secondary point system – competitors also gained a point for each flag; so winning 3-0 was more valuable than winning 2-1. Equally, losing 2-1 proved better for one’s score than losing 3-0.

KUMITE

Like kata, competitors gained 3 points for each win and zero for each loss.

And like kata, if two competitors finished on the same number of points, we had a secondary (count back) point system. Their total points scored were added up, then the total points scored against them were deducted. The competitor with the best ‘For and Against’ aggregate would rank higher.

ENJOYMENT

A big reason for running this tournament was to celebrate our Black Belts and provide a tournament for them without the pressure of the ‘Elimination draw’. This definitely showed up throughout the rounds. Competitors were more relaxed and a loss provided good feedback, to which they could make amendments and try to fix in the next round – as opposed to waiting for the next tournament.

To the competitors, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and got everything you wished from the day.

On behalf of all NSW, we would like to thank Kancho Robert Sullivan, Shihan Gavin Samin and all the Zone Directors across Australia and New Zealand who not only attended the event, but Judged the entire day.

And finally a shout out to Sensei Alex Pereda, who missed the action as his entire attention was devoted to the Admin desk, establishing algorithms for draws, finals etc.

View Results

(Many thanks to Natasha Fernance from Region 2 for the photos used in this article. More to come later in the week!)

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

About GKR