Aloha IKL Leaders, Members, Ohana, and Supporters,
Sending out a heartfelt MAHALO to Region 1, Maui & Oahu Yudansha, Members, Ohana and Supporters for hosting our Annual IKL Karate Tournament of Champions, this past weekend July 14 – 17, 2023. at the Baldwin H.S. Gymnasium in Wailuku, Maui.
Special thanks to the Maui Yudansha, Sensei Ed TAMANAHA, Senpai Richard “Dickie” CHONG, Tournament MC and “Social Director” (Bartender & Cigar Aficionado 
), Senpai Doris HATANO-TAMANAHA, Senpai David NISHIDA, Senpai Eric SIU, and Senior Advisor to the Shihan – Sensei Gerald TAKUMI, for all the hard work conducting the tournament, organizing the Banquet, Seminar and Picnic.
Also Mahalo to Oahu Yudansha Sensei Robert MATSUSHITA, (T-Shirts), Sensei Craig KOBAYASHI, (e updates) and Senior Advisor to the Shihan – Sensei Wayne OKAMURA (organizing Seminar).
If I missed thanking anyone, gomen nasai (my apologies), I know you were behind the scenes contributing to making the event a success, Mahalo very much.
CONGRATULATIONS! to ALL the contestants of the Tournament. Your performance did not disappoint. It was exciting and full of Karate courtesy, respect and competitive spirit.
Also CONGRATULATIONS to the 15 black belts who were recognized at the Banquet, for their promotions over the last 12 months (since our last Tournament in July 2022, in San Diego). Fortunate to have their Black Belt Certificates presented to them by our Shihan Walter NISHIOKA at the Banquet on Saturday night, were: Senpai William MEMDOZA, Shodan, Fontana Dojo, CA., Sensei Roland YAMAMOTO, Sandan, Kailua-Kona Dojo, HI., and Sensei Jenna SHIROMA, Sandan, Captain Cook Dojo, HI.
It should be noted that our Shihan (91) has not traveled since mid 2019 due to the pandemic. This was his first trip, and needless to say it was challenging with physical and health risks, BUT the Shihan was adamant to attend all events for his students AND to be present at the events in memoriam of Yudansha “Oscar” TOKUNAGA, Maui Dojo.
It was great to see everyone from far and near. Always like a Family Reunion of IKL Ohana. For those of you who missed it, hope to see you next year in >>>>> TBA in the very near future. Until then, take care and continue training faithfully and diligently.
Oss!
Shiroma Hanshi
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