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Report by James Caldwell, Chairman, USAKF Referee Committee:

Shihan Mikio Nishiuchi, Chairman, International Okinawa Kobudo Association (IOKA), was the principle promoter. The tournament was sanctioned by the USAKF and the USAKF Referee Chairman conducted a referee training course. Michael Bukala, Tournament Administrator for the USAKF, served as the event administrator and James Caldwell worked as the Chief Referee.

On the first day of the festival, various seminars were conducted by noted Okinawan Martial Arts Masters. Master Masaru Higa of Goju Ryu, Master Takashi Kinjo of Okinawa Kobudo Ko Bu Kai and Master Yoshinori Kakazu of Shorin Ryu are some examples. Shihan Mikio Nishiuchi conducted training in Sport Warrior and the use of the Shu Chu while Shihan Alan Dollar conducted training in Uechi Ryu Karate and Shihan Mary Bolz Conducted training in the use of the Kuwa.

The karate tournament included a Sport Warrior competition.The Sport Warrior Competition consists of fighting with specially designed weapons, shield and helmet. It is great fun and safety is not in question. However, it is difficult to win and you kobudo attack and defense must bb sharp and to the point (a pun). The equipment or a video may be obtained by contacting Mikio Nishiuchi through Major James Caldwell.

The karate tournament started promptly and ran precisely on schedule, much to the delighted surprise of the participants.The referees were excellent and included an Theo Theloesen, from the Netherlands, a certified European Karate Union referee. Ring coordinations were adroitly handled by Americans Rob Alvalais, John Limcaco, Lim Sison and Kirk Austin. Every one enjoyed the event which was concluded with cooperation from all.

Shihan Nishiuchi credited the success of the tournament primarily to the combined efforts of Jim Caldwell and Michael Bukala.

Masters Demonstrations were held in the evening with Okinawan and American Masters demonstrating their specialties. To the delight of the audience, Okinawa traditional dance and music were interlaced with the demonstrations. Master Oshiro of Yamane Ryu Kobudo gave an excellent demonstration of Yamane Bojutsu. Master Kinjo's of Okinawa Kobudo Ko Bu Kai demonstration of the Ieiku was the Highlight of the evening.

Other notable people in attendance were and Hanshi George Anderson, President of the USA Karate Federation and Kyoshi Jim Mather of the USNKF

In the International Okinawa Kobudo Association (IOKA) meetings the following day, Hanshi George Anderson was appointed as an advisor to the IOKA.