Dear Emma,

First of all I have to say thank you to everyone for all the best wishes sent to me for my Karate tournament. I haven't been able to update my blog, as the little village I was in, kept quite strange hours. The one and only internet Cafe, which I absolutely loved 'Tavern Baynard' wasn't open until after 7pm and closed when it got slow which was always before midnight. The unfortuante thing was that my Karate evening events took place until about that time.

 

So here is the update now!!!!

 

The beginning of the competitions. We had participants from all over the world - England, Spain, Brazil, Sweden, Italy, Norway, Japan and of course Canada!!!

I was entered into the Kumite (Point fighting) and Kata events. For those interested in Karate, there was no continuous fighting ( I was really looking forward to that). So, my division was Blue to Red Belts (Blue, Purple, Brown and Red (which is one belt from Black). I competed in the Kata event which was both Men & Women Division and I am proud (and very surprised) to say I am bringing home to my Dojo a Silver in this division. I then participated in the Kumite (point fighting) event to which I will admit that I was very nervous and everyone within my Dojo knows how nervous I can get. I had some wonderful support from the other Canadian Dojos and would like at this point to say thank you to my Sensei and my Dojo, and to my personal trainer Brady Martin for helping me bring home to Canada and to my Dojo, a ...... GOLD for Women's Kumite!!!!  Okay, I know you are all guessing this happened... yes.... I was teery eyed!  LOL   I was extremely surprised!

By the way.... Canada won FIRST for the most medals won in the tournament!  Congratulations to everyone who participated.

 

Met some wonderful people throughout these days. Eight fantastic individuals from Telford Thai Boxing in England adopted me as their 'mom'. I learned alot from these guys and received some fantastic leg conditioning and with that a multitude of brusies!  Thai Boxing hurts!

 

The training that I received at this convention was absolutely amazing. I participated in Jiu-jitsu, kick boxing (a new found love of mine), mauy thai boxing, Weapons (Bo), Goshindo (which is absolutley fantastic) and aikido! 

I am very sore to say the least and very tired, however, I took alot of punches from guys twice my size, was flipped onto my back over and over again, got out of holds which I never imagined I could of, found new bruises as each minute went by and LOVED every minute of it!!!

 

The training was by far worth every minute of uncomfortableness on the plane ride over. I will be returning next year and hopefully with my Dojo!

 

Aside from the training all day long, the World Kobudo Federation, and their France Host, Kyoshi Alain Sailly entertained us nightly providing wonderful banquets, cabaret shows, juggling acts and dances - a very welcoming energy filled with love, friendship, respect and endless positive energy. Everyone made new life long friends.  Kysohi Sailly, himself checked in with me everyday to ensure that I was enjoying myself and that everything was okay. Thank you to Kysohi Sailly, his assistant Gregory, Kyoshi Therrion and every participant for the warm welcome and support.

 

A special thank you to John, Neil, Matt, Richy, Weasel, Roger, Dave and Elvis (Telford Thai Boxing) for everything!!! You will always have a home in Ontario Canada. I miss you all.

 

I am now in Paris, France. I arrived at my Hostel (Le Village Hostel) on rue d'orsel around 6:30pm and jumped online right away.... those who know me are laughing, I know!!!  Soon I am off to explore the city. The Hostel is fantastic and seems to be located within the heart of something (soon to be found out what)!

 

Will keep you posted! Have a great night!

Luv you sweetheart,

Mommy