Macomb’s Western Illinois Shotokan Karate and Jujitsu Club (W.I.S.K.) competed May 3 at the AAU Karate Tournament and Illinois Shotokan Karate tournament, bringing home 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 1 bronze medal. W.I.S.K., located at 325 W. University Dr.. is owned by Chief Instructor Ed Kuras, who at one time was on the AAU Freesparring team and served as a coach and referee. “It’s an honor to teach and see our students do well, and grow in life. Traditional Karate Jujitsu helps athletes develop kinesthetic sense which can carry over in all sports” stated Kuras.
There are 3 categories the athletes can compete in: Kata (forms), Basics (Kihon) and Kumite (free sparring).
Kata is a pre-arranged, choreographed sequence of techniques (strikes, blocks, and turns) designed to simulate fighting imaginary multiple opponents. Basics (Kihon) is the practice of fundamental techniques— stances, punches, kicks, and blocks— performed in repetition. Kumite is controlled free sparring, no strikes to the face. It involves applying the techniques learned in basics (Kihon) and kata against a real, live partner.
Those athletes bringing home medals include Mark Buren, age 29 (Brown Belt) 3rd in Kata and 1st in Kumite, David Wrenn age 24 (Brown Belt) 3rd in Kumite and Mykel Glaue age 13 (Brown Belt) 1st in Kata, 1st in Basics (Kihon) and 1st in Kumite.
