One of Tony Butler’s dreams became reality last week.
The founder of the Albany-based American Institute of Japanese Karate watched more than 130 of his students compete in the AAU National Karate Championships at the University at Albany’s SEFCU Arena.
I’ve been trying to bring this event to Albany for the last six years, said Butler, who also organized the national tournament. `I’ve been working with the city’s Department of Recreation, and we have over 300 kids in the program. Many of them are from the city, and they just don’t have the money for the expense of traveling to this tournament. So, this event helped 135 of my kids compete.`
Butler’s students were glad to have the opportunity.
`I think it’s really good because last year, we traveled all night long to get there,` said 8-year-old Abby Scheuermann of Albany.
`It’s better because now I have more people to watch me and support me,` added 11-year-old Chelsea Marshall. `It’s more fun because there are more people who get to come.`
Butler said having the city’s support for both the tournament and his karate club ` the program utilizes Albany’s community centers ` is a blessing.
`Our youths in our community here need structure, and what we offer in our programs is discipline, structure and a change in lifestyle,` he said.
Several hundred competitors between the ages of 5 and 35 traveled from all over the United States to compete at nationals, including a contingent from Hawaii’s International Karate Federation team that won the club title.
One of the key members of the Hawaiian team wasn’t from the island state at all. She was Rexford resident and Niskayuna High School student Nikki Takemori.
`I think it’s very special because it is my hometown, and it makes me work harder because even though I train in Hawaii, I’m from here and I want to do well,` said Takemori.
Takemori looked to add to her collection of five AAU national titles in Saturday’s finale when she competed in the Grand Champion division of kata (forms), but she finished second to International Karate Federation teammate Eimi Kurita.
`Even though I didn’t win, it was a pleasure to go up against Eimi,` said Takemori.
Takemori only gets six weeks out of the year to train with Kurita and the rest of her International Karate Federation teammates. The rest of her time is spent training with her father, Mike, in the basement of their home.
`We pick up (training) videotapes while we’re in Hawaii and bring them home, and I study them,` said Takemori.
Mike said he’s noticed a pronounced difference in his daughter’s karate skills over the years.
`I used to be her equal, but in the past couple of years, she’s been beating me up,` Mike said. `I’m still stronger than she is, but she’s faster than I am.`
The four-day competition, which also featured kumite (sparring) and kobudo (weapons), was a test for more than just the athletes. Organizers had to keep everything moving smoothly as competitions took place on numerous mats simultaneously.
`This university (UAlbany), the staff here has been so helpful,` said AAU Executive Director of Karate Del Saito. `It really makes our job easier. It allows us to concentrate on the tournament.`
And for a first-time host, Saito said Albany did a great job.
`The city has been so nice and gracious,` he said. `The people have been wonderful to work with. That makes a big difference.`
It may be a while before Albany gets another chance to host the AAU Karate Nationals, as it is sought after by several cities every year. But from what Butler said he heard from competitors, AAU officials and spectators, he may have a strong case to help bring the tournament back.
`I’ve had so many complements on how the city of Albany has given so much hospitality,` said Butler. `They’ve said it’s been the best-run tournament in 25 years.“
