The fifth edition of the annual Traditional Karate Santa Claus Cup took place at the Traditional Karate Academy Boston (TKAB), with over 100 enthusiastic, junior participants competing in individual and team events. THE MAYOR OF BOSTON COUNCILLOR JUDITH SKINNER, presented medals to the winners and complemented TKAB, led by its Chief Instructor, sensei Zbigniew Godzisz 4 Dan and Kristine Rubina 3 Dan , for its spirit of inclusiveness and dedication to “better physical and emotional development” of all the youth. Mayor Skinner lauded the positive energy and attitudes evident at the event and voiced his support for expansion of such valuable initiatives.
The event started with a special training session led by the World Champion, sensei Lukasz Radwanski 4 Dan and sensei Andrzej Czyrka 4 Dan, followed by the tournament which began immediately afterwards. All the young participants, aged 14 years of age and below, took to the mats to show their prowess in kumite, kata and en-bu – all amidst the cheers of encouragement from the spectators. The culmination of the day of outstanding sportsmanship and all-out fun was the presentation of special TKFGB recognition awards to Alina Rubina (‘2018 Junior Girl Competitor of the Year’), Timofej Kabak (‘2018 Junior Boy Competitor of the Year’), Kamile Rogelevic (‘2018 Cadet Competitor of the Year’), Filip Dębowski (‘2018 Senior Competitor of the Year’), Jakub Parchanowicz, Christopher Brazier, Tomasz Niściur , Kamile Zubovaite, Kirill Snikeris , Eden Parker, Adriana Peiseniece and Ernest Skarzinskij (‘2018 Distinction of Competitive Achievement’). All the young competitors were then treated to a visit from Santa, giving away the galore of gifts straight from his bountiful bag. A family disco party and snacks selection was the only adequate finish to the adventurous day.