To finally get to the tournament…Sunday in Campbell River at a highschool gym. I was registered to compete in women’s kata, white belt, over 18. “Kata” is a choreographed pattern of movements. In competitions you can choose to do any kata that you would like, and there are many, but I chose “kihon kata go” or “basic kata #5″. Keeping it simple for the first time. What I didn’t muster up the courage to compete in was “kumite” or sparring. Maybe next time.

Anyway, I was nervous enough already. Not so much because of concern over high scores but more because I knew there would be many formalities and this being my first time competing, I knew little. Indeed, to jump ahead, I was like that little kid who starts walking off the stage in the middle of her line. Her parents are standing at the side of the stage mouthing her next words and waving their hands “get back there!”. Well, not completely like that but, I had some things to learn and this was the chance to learn them.

And I got second place!….in a two person division : P (How can I not use that statement ordering to joke about my second place-ness?) Only competing with another girl (and a friend) from my club helped cure the nervousness but…I hope I get the chance to compete with people outside of the club soon. I imagine you can learn a lot from it.

On a note not completely related to the tournament - it was so interesting to travel in BC. I guess I have not done that so much. It’s easy to stay inside the big city walls and start to think that IT represents the province. But there is so much else around and strikingly different too. I do need to get out more.