World Tournament News! (video clips below)
(written from Budapest, Hungary on the day of the tournament, October 3rd)

Four Ligo Dojo students fought yesterday and today in Kyokushin-kan's 2nd World Open Karate Tournament in Budapest Hungary. 500 competitors from 60 countries (and 19 different Kyokushin organizations) gathered for a tournament in which there were weight categories in men's and women's divisions. Our very own Amy W., who spent the night before we traveled in the ER with her 2-year-old (who had an infection and turned out to be fine), and told us that morning that she might not be able to make it, did indeed wind up making it to the airport in time and made it all the way to the BEST 8 in her division (less than 65 kilograms, women). To do so she had to defeat this Russian woman (below), and a Hungarian woman (photos lower on page). Finally, when all the women in her category had been eliminated except 8, she was defeated by another Russian woman. Our photos are not very good (sorry!) but watch the video clips! (below).

Aaron T (BKH residential student, left) was defeated in the first round by this Japanese gentleman to took 2nd place this year in the All-Japan tournament. Thank goodness this kick (below) missed. Aaron has only been training for 6 months and has a bright future if he can keep himself focued on the goal.

BKH residential program graduate, Paul Kaminski (above, left) was defeated in the first round by this fighter from Belarus. See video clip. He has another chance in Connecticut in three weeks (Fujiwara Shihan's tournament), if he wants to try again!

Amy W's second fight against this Hungarian figher (Christina, on right) was also a victory!

Finally, this Russian woman (above, right) defeated Amy sixty seconds into the first round by TKO, a rolling spin kick to the head. Although it looks pretty bad when a fighter goes down (see video clip), Amy was fine. The kick grazed the top of her skull and opened a half-centimeter cut in her scalp. The on-scene doctor took precautions but said the wound did not require a stitch, and Amy was litterally laughing about the bandage they put on her head two minutes later.

Amy W's final fight (the knockout)
Amy W's second fight
Amy W's first fight

Amy K's fight
Paul's fight
Aaron's fight

These photos of Amy K (above, right) came out far better than her fight against the South African champion. Interestingly, these photos were taken at moments when it looks like Amy's winning, but watch the video clip. Ligo Dojo is only 3 years old, and that our members are able to compete AT ALL in a international-level competition is remarkable.

Five members of the 11-member American delegation to this Kyokushin-kan World Tournament were from Durham's Ligo Dojo. Seen here with Kancho Royama, Chairman of Kyokushin-kan, are (left to right standing): Nathan Ligo, Fujiwara Kenji (CT), Sandor Brezovai (Hungary), Kancho Royama, Hennie Bosman (South Africa), Tom Calihan (CA), Aaron T (Ligo Dojo), Matthew Stewart (ME), (and sitting from left to right) Laurie Maggio (CT), Amy W (Ligo Dojo), Kristen O'connor (ME), Amy K (Ligo Dojo), and Paul Kaminski (Ligo Dojo).