All eyes on us

Barbados is getting ready to host the 2018 International Karate Daigaku (IKD) World Cup, which is set for August 17-19 at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

This was revealed on Saturday at a media conference held at the Barbados Shotokan Karate Club in Hastings by president of the Barbados Karate Association, Paul Bernstein, and the PRO Kevin Cox.

The highly competitive Shotokan Karate tournament will see karatekas from across the globe putting their skills to the test in varying disciplines as Barbados tries to defend home turf. These individual and team events encompass kata (forms), kumite (sparring), bunkai (practical applications) and enbu (demonstrations).

With just under 160 days left before the world descends on Barbados, over 30 karatekas having been trying out for the national team, with national training beginning late last year and continuing this year.

According to Cox, “Training [is taking place] under the watchful eye of some of the highest ranking members of the IKD, which include Alice and Paul Bernstein (8th degree black belt), Neil Skeete and Gerard King (both 7th degree black belt), Michael Williams and former World Champion Cameron King. These karatekas ranging from eight-years-old to seniors (50+) will be vying for a place on the national squad.”

Cox said that territories which have expressed interest and confirmation include Canadian provinces such as Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Quebec, and “Also countries like USA, South America, South Africa, Philippines and England. We are still receiving queries from as far as India and Pakistan,” he said.

Bernstein noted that the tournament has been estimated to cost the local organising committee in the region of $100 000 and they have raised $33 000 thus far in their fundraising efforts.

“In order to host this international tournament, which should see over 400 competitors along with coaches and families, the Barbados Karate Association began its fundraising efforts since last year,” said Cox.

“So far letters have gone out to Corporate Barbados for sponsorship and we are thankful for sponsors such as the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) and others for coming on board to help facilitate this immense challenge.

“We are hoping that other entities will come on board to assist with this worthy endeavour and help to make this tournament a huge success.
A tournament website has been created – www.shotokanbarbados.com/ikdworldcup/ – and the deadline for countries to enter is June 30th.