Saturday at Worlds

Saturday was kata day, both individual and team.

And the competition was fierce indeed! I had the privilege of doing a lot of judging that day, which was exciting but a mixed blessing, since I was unable to do any photography.

I did get to judge Philip Wahl's division, as well as Sarah Hickman's. Philip's work on his kata really paid off. He did his kata so well, with such intensity and spirit, that it brought tears of joy to my eyes. I was so proud of him! He placed a close 4th behind the top three, and well ahead of the rest of his division.

Miriam Prewett wasn't sure if she was going to compete that morning, since she was sick. Amazingly enough, she took 3rd place in her very tough division. Isaac Prewett placed 5th in his division.

As my time to compete neared, I became---as usual---somewhat of a nervous wreck. During my weapons competition, I had a difficult time focusing, so I was trying very hard to prep myself mentally for doing my best possible kata before the judges. During my practice sessions here at Worlds, I'd adjusted and improved some of my techniques, and I didn't want to forget the new changes under the pressure of competition. So, as I stood on deck, I prayed, mentally rehearsed a few sections of my kata, and did my best to get into "kata mode". Thank the Lord, it worked. My focus was the best it's ever been while competing. I took 2nd in the very small but highly competitive Women's Senior Black Belt division.

We had two teams doing synchronized kata. Miriam Prewett, Sarah Hickman, and Daniel Prewett placed 4th in the youth advanced division. The world championship for that division went to "Warriors for Christ", the team comprised of Michael Hickman, Isaac and Benjamin Prewett. Their kata was truly a crowd pleaser.

What an exciting day!