The next kata tournament on the EJU calendar is scheduled for this weekend and the location is Pordenone, Italy. The tournament is being held for the 15th time and it is one of the oldest kata tournament along with Belgium. According to tradition, it is also one of the strongest tournament, both, in quality and quantity. A must mention that Italy is one of the strongest kata nation with a long history and tradition of nurturing this art. Up to now, there are 69 couples from 13 countries registered for this event.
In Italy, cadet and junior categories will also compete which gives young people the opportunity to perform and gain experience for their, later, senior performance. EJU Head Kata Commissioner, Mr Slavisa BRADIC is excited for the weekend;
According to the number of entries, the tournament itself will certainly be one of the strongest, so we can expect an exciting competition. By introducing only one age category (previously there were two age groups), we increased the value of the results, which will now be more easily recognized and valued by the competent sports institutions. Also, the age categories are harmonized with the shiai age categories. Our goal is for kata competitions to be recognized at all levels as a sport with clear rules and criteria.
According to another, perhaps more recent tradition, a seminar for kata judges will be held prior to the event. Mr Bradic further explains;
This is now mandatory, as well as an exam for new kata judges. The exam now includes online preparation where candidates can get all the necessary information, knowledge, and control questions to better prepare for the exam. So far, 15 candidates have been registered who will take the kata judge license exam, which is a very good result. We still have a lot of work to do, but considering the positive energy in my team together with the experience we have, I’m sure we can do a lot.
Best of luck to all participants!
Program
Attention: The schedule may be modified according to total number of entries and circumstance of competition. * The start time will be confirmed once the final number of athletes is known.
Author: Szandra Szogedi