1st Druk Onpen Online Kata Championship 2024 – Hosted by Druk Shito Kai
Druk Shitokai successfully hosted the Online Kata Championship 2024 on Saturday, March 16, attracting a robust participation of 127 athletes from nine karate clubs across five U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The event showcased the historical kata technique, emphasizing unity and excellence within the karate community.
Sensei Raj Magar praised Druk Shitokai’s innovation in the kata technique as reflective of a collaborative and high-caliber community. The championship spanned 50 categories and involved a structured team of officials, including two logistics leads, one operations manager, and ten officials, overseen by US NKF referee and judge AA, as well as Druk Shitokai’s head official, Sensei Maya Lepcha.
“The event’s success was rooted in the cooperative spirit of all participants,” Sensei Magar remarked. He noted that the event fostered harmony and underscored Druk Shitokai’s commitment to growth in karate through collaboration. Spokesperson Madan Rai added, “Our organization prioritizes unity and teamwork with other dojos to advance karate.”
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Sensei Raj Magar of the logistics team emphasized Druk Shitokai’s dedication to promoting a culture focused on sustainability, motivation, achievement, respect, and trust, which, he noted, underpins its future goals and partnerships. He commended the officials’ hard work and expertise in ensuring the championship’s seamless execution.
Senpai Deepen Adhikari from the Louisville Dojo affirmed that the event concluded with fairness and excellence.
The championship’s officiating team included Senseis Maya Lepcha, Bhim Thapa, Denny Tamang, Bishal Gurung, Hari Sivakoti, Tek Rai, Kamal Thapa, Santa Rai, and Tula Dhakal, alongside Dumpa Thapa in operations, and Raj Magar and Mani Rai in logistics. Senseis Yadu Kuikel and Nim Lama served as dojo coaches.
The Druk Open Kata Championship 2024 welcomed competitors from Fargo Karate Club, United Shito Ryu Karate, Ohio Karate Club, Druk Shitokai Golf Dojo, Task Lex Dojo, Task Louisville Dojo, Lethbridge Dojo, Georgia Dojo, and Diska Carlisle Karate Dojo. Fargo Karate Club took the first position, followed by United Shito Ryu Karate in second, with Ohio Karate Club securing third place.