CWU Karate Club Impresses At Major International Event

April 2, 2004

Contact: Dr. Ian J. Quitadamo (509-963-2745/fax 509-963-2730/e-mail: iq@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- On March 13 and 14, international fighters from around the world gathered in Montreal for the 2004 Mas Oyama Memorial Gold Cup, a full-contact knockdown competition that was open to all martial art styles.

Nine of the 13 dojo members of Central Washington University's Kyokushinkai Karate Club competed in the tournament. They are: Sarah Woolley, from Snohomish, a graduate student in history; Tomoko Tanikawa, from Japan, a graduate student in social services; Billy Mead, freshman, Renton; Ryoksuke Yasutake, from Japan, a senior recreation major; Marshall Popham, sophomore, Federal Way, Asian/Pacific studies; Jerame Clough, senior, Kennewick, Asian/Pacific studies; Chris Powell, senior, a 2003 CWU geography graduate, Overgaard, Ariz.; Cameron Smith, a dojo member from Leavenworth; and Collin Smith, from Peshastin, a graduate student in business education.

In addition, club members Serena Melik, sophomore, Moxee; Rebecca Formiller, freshman, Gig Harbor; and Ryan Taylor, junior, Federal Way, business administration, provided essential fighter support. Sensei Ian Quitadamo, a CWU faculty member in biology and science education, served as corner judge and ringside coach for the U.S. team.

In the middleweight division, Collin Smith, took second place, while Cameron Smith, a heavyweight, and Tanikawa, in the women's lightweight competition, took third.

"It's difficult to describe how proud we are of all our competitors," Quitadamo says. "As a group, they had considerably less experience than any other country. Despite this, they stood in the spotlight against more experienced opponents, fought valiantly and demonstrated the essence and strength of the Kyokushin spirit."

Because of their strong spirit and fighting abilities, Collin Smith and Tanikawa have been invited to compete in the World Tournament in Japan next November.

"It's the Olympics of full-contact karate," Quitadamo adds. "These fighters will be part of the United States team and will represent the Central Washington University dojo at the most revered karate competition in the world."

The CWU dojo is a collaborative effort between the university and Ellensburg Community Schools.

"A big part of what makes this kind of learning possible is support from Central and the Ellensburg community," Quitadamo notes. "We are deeply grateful to Bob Ford and the team at CWU Recreation. We could not have succeeded at this level without their efforts."

For more information regarding the CWU Kyokushinkai Karate Club call (509) 963-2745, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.