Friday at Worlds

Today's events: musical kata, koshiki, weapons, chanbara, and team sparring.

The morning was fairly relaxing as we watched musical kata, an event none of us were competing in. Our competition events began in the early afternoon, with weapons.

The weapons competition was tough for all of us. The divisions were large, and almost every competitor was impressive. Benjamin Prewett wowed the crowd---and the judges---with his kama kata, and won 2nd place in his division. He lost to a seasoned competitor who is using the World Championships as a "warm-up" for the Pan-American Games to be held next week. Isaac Prewett did a beautiful eiku (oar) kata, and tied for 3rd place. For the run-off, he borrowed a fellow competitor's kamas, and won the tie, placing 3rd.

Next was chanbara, or samurai sports. This fun event involves fighting with foam safety weapons. (In the USKA, the weapons involved are swords.) Isaac's training in the dojo paid off---he fought all the way to a World Championship! Sarah Hickman, facing only one other opponent, also placed first in her division, making her a double crown World Champion. (She apparently has an uncanny knack for being in divisions with only one other competitor!)

Michael Hickman, a.k.a., The Little Samurai, placed 4th in his division.

Team sparring was both exciting and nervewracking. Isaac & Daniel Prewett both faced some fierce fighters and sustained some brutal blows. In fact, Isaac's opponent was disqualified. Isaac's team, formed just today, placed 3rd. Danny had been planning his team since last Worlds. He and Tori Summey had decided to be teammates again, just as they had been in the past. They found a third teammate and fought some tough competition all the way to 3rd place. Benjamin Prewett and Philip Wahl formed a team with one other boy and fought bravely and well to place 4th.

All in all, a very exciting day!

Be sure to check out the pictures here