IKL championship returns

KAILUA-KONA — After a four-year hiatus, Kona’s longest running and popular Karate competition returned for its 16th edition on Saturday at the Kekuaokalani Gymnasium.

84 competitors of various age groups from Karate schools around the isle and the state took part in the 16th Annual International Karate League (IKL) Karate Championship.

Local competitors came from dojos in Hilo, Kea‘au, Hakalau, Paauilo, Honoka‘a, Captain Cook, Waimea, Kailua-Kona and other communties around the isle.

“After a 4 year absence, I was very pleased with the strong turnout of participants and supporters,” tournament director Julian Shiroma said. “We are also happy that the overwhelming majority of the participants were youth from six to 15 years old, because traditional Karate can be very beneficial for their personal development.”

The tournament featured competition in three events: Kata (Forms), Kobudo (Weapons), and Kumite (Sparring).

Tying for the Most Outstanding Karate Competitor Perpetual Trophy was Jenna Shiroma of the IKL Captain Cook Dojo and Jace Shiroma of the IKL Captain Cook Dojo. Jenna placed first in the Blackbelt Women’s Kata, Kumite and Kobudo divisions, while Jace placed first in the Blackbelt Men’s Kata, Kumite and Kobudo divisions.

Winning the Most Outstanding Dojo Perpetual Trophy was the Captain Cook Dojo (IKL) with 59 points, the World Karate Academy was second with 53 points, and the Keaau Dojo (IKL) was third with 46 points.