03/05/2021
Shihan G gives a great explanation of Sensei Kelvin's great achievement at the Sth Island camp last month. Well worth a read!!
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Osu
Sean
50 MAN KUMITE REPORT
I first heard of the 50 man kumite when I was training in England.
I had been aware of Kyokushins 100 man kumite for almost as long as I had been training and growing up with karate I’d heard many stories about those who had completed it. Being a kid at the time it was the stuff of legends and not for mere mortals like me so I never really gave it much thought beyond that.
However in 1986 upon learning of the 50 man kumite I decided this was something I could aspire to and possibly have a crack at somewhere further down the line!
So Why attempt a 50 man kumite?
I guess everyone has their own reasons. For some it coincides with their grading and is the obstacle that needs to be overcome in moving forward. For others it may be simply the desire to take on a challenge.
For me back in 1993 I was keen to test myself and see how far (if at all) I had progressed both physically and mentally since gaining my black belt.
It also provided a good deal of motivation in training for san dan, although in hindsight I might not have been so eager to attempt it if I had known that I would have to do another 50 man as part of my 5th Dan grading years later.
Fast forward to 2021 and our annual black belt meeting held in Wellington. Up until then only myself and 3 others in the MOKNZ had undertaken to complete a 50 man kumite: Shihan Mike Kenworthy, Sempai Chris Smith and Shihan Sean O’Connell.
All three I consider to be exceptional karateka. At the meeting I mentioned that the opportunity to attempt a 50 man kumite would be available at this year’s South Island training camp and if it could be organised successfully would become a regular event when required.
Two months prior to the camp I sent a reminder out calling for black belts who were interested to submit their names as possible candidates. However, applying to take part would not necessarily mean acceptance as several criteria needed to be met before the ok could be given. The first and foremost of these being that the candidate was in good health and in the opinion of the directors was capable of undertaking the challenge.
Sensei Kelvin of the Toko dojo in Milton wasted no time in applying and was given approval immediately so that his training could get underway.
Good numbers at camp this year assured that there would be a strong line up for Sensei to face. 4:30pm soon arrived and once the mats were laid down and the fighters were ready it was time to get underway.
There was a last-minute surprise for Kelvin when multiple time NZ and Australian Champion Sensei Pete Parson arrived just in time to take part. Pete couldn’t make the camp this year but caught a late flight down to ChCh on Saturday to support Kelv in his quest.
With a few bouts now completed I felt Kelv was off to a rocky start and around fight six I was starting to get concerned as he seemed a little out of breath and somewhat uncomfortable out there.
I was seated next to Shihan Mike and mentioned this to him and that if it carried on like this things might not go Kelvin’s way!
However, with those first half a dozen fights out of the way he settled down, started picking his shots, hitting hard, and was soon racking up numbers on the black board.
Having spoken to him since about the start he told me he got distracted just prior to the fights and didn’t warm up the way head planned to, and as a result it took a few more fights than usual to settle in.
Once he warmed up and found his stride, I sensed the air in the room change a little. The fact that Kelvin is 6ft 3, weighs around 110 kg and can kick like a mule may have contributed to that! On the flip side it could also have played a part in the number of groin shots that he had to contend with throughout the day, as some fighters moved in and out recklessly to avoid some of the big shots he was throwing.
But every 50 man kumite has obstacles to overcome, it wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise. In Kyokushin we’re not disposed to bleat or moan about the difficulties we encounter, overcoming and carrying on is what it’s all about and Kelvin pushed through in true Kyokushin fashion.
With number 49 in the bag and his challenge almost over sensei got to choose his last opponent of the day. Looking to test himself right to the end he chose the most decorated fighter present, Sensei Pete. After what was a solid last round, a tired and sore Sensei Kelvin had successfully completed his 50 man kumite and earned his placed in the MOKNZ record books.
Congratulation’s Sensei on a job well done.
Osu!
(more photos to follow)
