Back in the mid 1990’s there were a number of ISKA tournaments held in Auckland, but these ceased around ’96 with those who wished to compete after that date needing to travel to Australia. These tournaments are open to all styles of martial art and have a multitude of categories to enter, such as traditional forms, weapons forms, extreme forms, showmanship, self-defence as well as points sparring, grappling and full contact sparring. There are even events for the youngest of martial artists.

An event was recently held in Sydney and I took a team over to introduce them to tournaments. We faired quite well despite the fact that we do not usually train with tournaments in mind. As I had been involved in the Auckland events back in the ‘90’s I was offered the chance to revive ISKA-NZ. An opportunity too good to pass over.

It is great to see Karate, Kung-fu, Taekwon-do, Ju-jitsu, Aikido etc etc Instructors and students mix and mingle and compete against each other in a non political and unbiased arena. A true martial arts event.

I am in the starting stages of organising an event to be held in Rotorua late September early October 2010. If anyone is interested in more information and a copy of the rules, please feel free to phone or text me on 021 713354. I travel a bit around the North Island so could be available to call in to talk with you. I also visit Christchurch on occasion.

This first event will be attended by Australian ISKA regulars and my plan is that we will host a World Championship sometime in the very near future.