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Big Karate Weekend Coming to Dixon

Athletes from across the U.S. and around the world will converge on Dixon the weekend of November 3-4, 2011. Ramtown Karate is the original charter member of Ryukyukan Karate Federation, based in Okinawa.  The Ryukyukan organization has been expanding world wide over the past 15 years, and now covers the U.S., U.K, Belgium, South America, Puerto RIco, India, and Japan.  Ramtown Karate and Ryukyukan will host the 10th Annual Karate Tournament at Dixon's  beautiful new high school gym, and a seminar series will be presented the following day.

The Saturday November 5th karate tournament is divided into morning karate competition, and the afternoon knockdown karate event.

The Saturday morning competiton will start at 10 a.m. with traditioinal karate kata, kobudo, and point sparring competition. Ramtown karate athletes have been making their mark in the karate world this year, including the Junior Olympics and US Open in Las Vegas.  Come and watch these champions on their home turf Saturday morning.

The afternoon Knockdown event starts with Weigh-ins for the fighters at 1 p.m. The knockdown competition starts at 4 p.m. Saturday November 5th.

Teams from Nevada, Washington State, Northern and Southern California, North Carolina, and New York will be at the Knockdown event.  Also, international teams from the U.K., and Mongolia have entered the event. 

This event has gained acclaim over the past nine years, and has drawn a field of world class stand up fighers this year. 

Don't miss the action, discount tickets can be purchased in advance at Ramtown Karate, or purchase at the event for $10.

The following day, Sunday November 6, 2011 is the Ryukyukan seminar series, taught by Okinawan karate master 9th degree Koei Nohara.  Mr. Nohara has gained world acclaim through his book and international seminars. Want to see real karate from Okinawa, where karate was born? Come to a semninar.

Ramtown Junior Olympians Return from Las Vegas

Eleven Ramtown Karate athletes returned home with seven medals from the USA Karate Jr. Olympics held at Ceasars Las Vegas in April. Each athlete entered both kata and kumite (fighting) divisions.  Two young men stepped up to the advanced division this year, competing in large divisions against the worlds most advanced martial artists in their age group.  Jeremy Cristobal and Brandon Castillo battled through their tough international competitors to reach the top five in thier divisions, missing medals by one fight each. Both walked away knowing that they now belong in their advanced divisions, and are ready to meet the top athletes again soon. In the intermediate divisions, Harlee Bingaman, Angelina Castillo, and Marco Baldwin competed a well, gaining valuable experience that is crucial to their overall goal of advanced division competetors. Connor Millard, Tyler Neenan, and Samual Baldwin all came within one match of medalling.  Their effort and technique was exceptional. Now they need strategy, tactics, and experience to come back next year with a bid for the top three.  Juliette Leach and Alex Shehan both won a bronze in kata, and silver medal in kumite, the door is open for these two in the next few years. Kiera MacKenzie also took a silver in kumite. With over 50 counties represented, it takes athlete focus, experienced coaching, and support from the athletes families to make the experience a good one. This team had it all, and is looking forward to more training and their next challenge.

The  Ramtown coaches, athletes and families all agreed that the Jr. Olympics is an experience that is worth the effort.

Dashaa Dojo Hosts First Mongolian Knockdown Karate Tournament

The Ramtown Karate fight team was excited when Dashaa Dojo, the Mongolian Full Contact Karate group from San Francisco announced that it's first annual Knockdown Karate tournament would be held on April 17, 2011. The Ramtown Team entered five fighters: Charlie Ernest, Wyatt Erwin, Mario Leon, Wesley Tonks, and Trey Randall. Charlie Ernest moved up to the advanced heavyweight division from his normal advanced lightweight placement to round out the Ramtown entries. Sensei Charlie battled to the finals, where he took a 2nd place in a hard fought battle that went into overtime, and ended in a  judges' decision. Wyatt Erwin stepped up to the men's advanced lightweight division to take a second place, looking strong and skilled in his new advanced placement. Mario Leon fought a powerful fight, but lost due to a penalty in an otherwise tied match. Wesley Tonks took home a 3rd place, winning one match with a well timed front kick to his opponent's face.

The Ramtown Fight Team respected the competition with the Mongolian team, and several other Bay Area mixed martial arts and karate teams.  Sensei Jim Ernest was presented with the "Best Coach" award.  Ernest was pleased with his team's performance, and commented on the state of the sprot: "Knockdown Karate is growing in popularity. Karate, Muay Thai, and MMA teams are realizing the talent present at these events, which are drawing some of the best stand up fight athletes in the state".  The next knockdown competition will be June 14th in San Francisco, followed by Dixon's own Ryukyukan International Karate Tournament at Dixon High School on November 6th.

Shorinryu Karate Promotions March 2011

On May 14, 2011, Ramtown Karate held Ryukyukan Karate Shorinryu testing. Included in those testing was a four member group testing for Ikkyu (First Degree Brown Belt), Ikkyu is the rank just before Black Belt. The advanced test began at 7 am.  Each candidate spent 6 hours completing a gruling and comprehensive test that required the demonstration of martial arts skills which have taken as long as 6 years to perfect.

During the last hour of the test, the advanced candidates were joined by beginner and intermediate rank candidates. The advanced group, testing since early morning drew a new spirit from the members who joined them. All finished strong; every candidate attained their new rank.  Congratulations!

Shorinryu Karate Promotions March 2011

On March 26, 2011, Ramtown Karate held our Shorinryu Karate promotional testing.  Twelve martial artists progressed the the next rank. Great job, keep up the good work! We fully expect to see these faces again at higher level testing in the future.

Shorinryu Karate Promotions for February

What a great February promotional test held on February 26, 2011. The students were prepared and showed up with an unstoppable attitude.  Every student achieved their promotional goal. Congratulations!