A two-day state-level karate tournament in Salt Lake saw over 300 children, aged eight years and above, display their techniques and skills, and compete in full-contact karate. Divided in different categories of age, weight, and belt, they took part in both kata, a standardised and ritualised sequence of offensive and defensive techniques simulating virtual fighting, and kumite, a score-based, time-limited fighting with punches and kicks between two opponents.
West Bengal Kyokushin Karate Association organised the All Bengal Open and Junior Karate Tournament on January 28 and 29. Sensei Prasenjit Saha, who heads the association, organised the meet at BA-CA playground in Salt Lake.
The tournament was inaugurated by Sujit Bose, minister-in-charge, fire and emergency services, and Rajesh Chirimar, member of mayor-in-council, education and parks, of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation.
Saha said: “This tournament was organised following the current rules of International Karate Association, Japan. But we are yet to achieve international standards since players here are not so dedicated to the game. But there are some who are performing well and can compete at international levels. Our objective here is to create opportunities for participation and promote cordial relationship amongst all in our fraternity.”
A moment from the men’s kumite championship round
Nupur Sarkar, who won the first prize in the girls’ open Kata category said: “I was learning drawing and music in Class IV and V. But in 2011, I joined karate classes at my mother’s insistence. Since then, I have learnt to meditate, concentrate, show discipline and respect to others.”
Supriya Chaudhuri, who used to teach English at Jadavpur University and is associated with the Kyokushin Karate Association as Senpai (instructor), echoed the view. “Karate is not simply a sport; it’s a way of life. It needs discipline, dedication and skill which we can implement in our lives. Karate aims to build character, improve human behaviour and cultivate modesty."
Nupur’s father was initially opposed to her taking up karate but when she won a state-level tournament he was ecstatic. “I remember that day when my father came with his motorbike to take me home with the trophy. Swapan Debnath, who was a minister then, visited our house in Purba Bardhaman to felicitate me. I came third at the 17th All Asia Open Karate Championship held in Dhaka in 2018. My next target is to qualify for the Asian Games.”
Shankar Singh, who clinched the men’s trophy in open Kumite event, said: “I have played football, practised gymnastics and yoga but when I joined karate I noticed that martial art is something different. It helped me to overcome frustration, and control anger and gain confidence.I am now preparing to take part in the Asian Games.”
Madhurima Ghosh, the runner-up in the ladies open section of Kumite, was winning till the second round but was defeated by Brishtisnata Dutta, a resident of BA Block, in the final round. “I had focused on developing my stamina and power but I could have performed better if I had developed my footwork,” she said.
Jasmine Gayen, a two-time national champion, was judging the event. “It was exhausting but a good experience. I have been in karate since 2014. Initially, my father put me into karate classes for self defence but after six months I started loving it. It has enhanced my fitness and confidence to a great extent,” said Gayen.