Last weekend five dojo talibes travelled to the region of Kaolack with Sensei Ignety Ba for their first National karate tournament. This was made possible by a donation from Douvris Martial Arts Barrhaven and Brigitte Pellerin's pledge to the Maison de la Gare karate program from sales of her book, Not Just for Kicks, Dublin 2016. The eager competitors and their Sensei left in the early hours of the morning, meeting to catch the bus at 4am, after we trained together at the dojo the night before. The WKF tournament was Saturday and Sunday morning. Not yet ready to perform kata at a National level, the boys were there to fight. And, for kumite.
Bouaro and Omar both won their first fights. But, neither moved on from the second, and therefore they did not place this time. The kumite competition was strong as well, and no one went home with medals.
Omar in the red belt at Kaolack National Tournament
The drive home across much of Senegal Sunday afternoon lasted through the night. The competitors had not slept for several days and were exhausted Monday when I saw them at the Maison de la Gare centre. They also seemed somewhat despondent about not bringing home any hardware. But I could not have been prouder of each of them. Sensei Ignety Ba also was proud, and reminded them of the importance of competition. He pointed out they were lucky to be able to attend a National competition, as most in their dojo, even the regular members, had never been, due to the prohibitive cost. Ignety told them defeat makes you train harder, and to focus on what needs improving, and it helps you to be humble as all the best competitors must be. He reminded the young men it can take years of training and competing to begin to win consistently, and that no competition is ever wasted. I have heard these same words from our own Master John Douvris, coach of the Douvris Tournament Team and the WKC Canadian Karate Team. Wisdom.
Robbie and I had hoped to run a tournament at the centre for the young karate kids who attend day classes. We were delighted to discover that Issa Kouyate, President of Maison de la Gare had forseen such a day and had purchased a stock of karate medals as prizes. Robbie had also brought many Douvris tee-shirts from home to use as prizes and others had been donated by Douvris members. Inspired by the dojo tournament team, the first in-house Maison de la Gare tournament would be on!
Admirers gather around the prize table
We kept the mats that were rented for the Grading Ceremony until Friday, the day of the tournament (and of our departure). Friday morning dawned. The mats were layed out, a prize table arranged, and as the karate kids began to arrive they put on their gi's and mulled around, not knowing what to expect, but sensing that something was about to happen that would put them in the spotlight. Djembe drums were pulled out, and music began. Crowds gathered around the prize table, admiring the medals, the tee-shirts, and the juice drinks, envious of the karate kids who would be competing for these rewards.
the kata scoresheet
Sensei Gora Seck, a WKF referee who generously volunteered to help us, arranged a score sheet for kata and another for kihon. There were 18 competitors, 18 medals, with the winning four of each group receiving a yellow ribbon for their medals, a Douvris shirt, and a juice. The competitors who did not place would receive medals with a red ribbon and juice. The grand champion, kata was presented with a special medal and Robbie's 2014 WKC World Championship sweater from Dublin (where he had competed with the Canadian Karate Team).
The two teams were lined up, salutes were exchanged, and the competition was on. Sensei Gora Seck was assisted by Bouaro, calling each pair of competitors up in turn, starting with kata. Each boy was given either a red or a blue belt to wear during his performance, just as in WKF sanctioned tournaments. Some of the belts were so big and the boys so small that they dragged on the ground. But, the boys were clearly proud to be wearing them. After bowing to the judge and to each other, each performed his kata. There was a wide variety of skill level, but each competitor seemed equally nervous, excited and proud to be on the mat, laying down his best performance, wearing a red or blue belt. They lined up again and Sensei indicated his decision with the referrees flags, red or blue.
With each win, a competitor was eliminated. Eventually a final set of four remained for kata and for kihon, the finalists. A few performances stood out from the rest, earning prolonged applause from the appreciative audience.
Amadou Diallo's performing his winning kihon's
For kihon the clear winner was Amadou Diallo, an eight year old (he thinks) who has been coming to karate classes for over a year.
It is fitting that this boy's participation in karate has been sponsoured by Martina Couture and her dojo Douvris MA Barrhaven, because she contributed to making this tournamnet possible. The kata winner was Samba Diouf. Pride beamed from his face as Robbie presented him with his well deserved medal and his world championship sweater.
Robbie with Samba, kata champion
After the medals had been presented the kids again lined up for a final bow and a further round of extended applause. We heard many little talibes who had gathered to watch telling each other and anyone who would listen that they too were going to join karate. Our objective had been to reward the kids who have been working so hard against such terrible odds, coming to classes as diligently as possible, developing real skill and building a true passon. And, to motivate and inspire them to continue to do so. Mission accomplished, and more! And, I have no doubt we will need to bring even more karate gi's on our next visit to Maison de la Gare.
Robbie and Sensei Gora Seck congratulate the competitors
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