By DAN BARNES Gazette Staff Writer June 12,1985
George Manoli likes a good kick in the head.
The St. Albert black belt karate instructor had his fill Thursday night at Father Jan when he ran the 1st
St. Albert Open – bellow black belt Level – Full Contact Karate-do Championships.
As expected, Manoli’s Kenkokan students cleaned up in all weight and belt divisions but one where Kung Fu enthusiast Guy Tomash won the lightweight, green belt and above battle.
Kenkokan student Ellen Caouette was second with Nin Tran, a follower of Tae Kwon-Do, third.
Manoli said the three women entered fared well against their male counterparts. « We put them in the height categories so they’re pretty even. The shots they were taking (and giving out) wouldn’t do much damage though » because of body and headgear.
Manoli said it was important for his students to dominate their tournament .. My students did really, really well. We’ve been preparing for this because it’s important to do well in your first tournament. »
But the tournament was also a tunc-up for M,moli himself and three of his students looking for a chance to represent Caiwda in Brisbane, Australia, Sept. 28.
Manoli’s position is alre,ldy confirmed at the « All Australian International Full Contact Karate-do Championships » in the heavy Weight category.
But Manoli followers Hobert Bourbonnais, Fintan Lillm and Philip Wat\i1nd will have to prow them• selvl’s at a qualifying tournament in Montreal in July.
Manoli called the tournament at Father Jan’s “a huge success » as more than 35 competitors from seven different martial arts disciplines including kick boxing. Chito Ryu and Wing Chung, « Bruce Lee’s initial style, » according to Manoli saw action.
The combatants went one two-minute round and scored points with kicks to the head (2 1/2 points) and any protected area (1/2 point).
Kicks to the groin were illegal but common place, he said, as some competitors had little control over their fighting style.
He added though that injuries were limited. One fighter in the heavyweight division sustained a bleeding nose after taking quite a few good shots to the head and his headgear turned and struck his nose.
Manoli said that a second open tourney is already planned for December and will be bigger nnd better.
This was just a first step. Some people are going to come and join our style because they enjoyed the full contact fighting.
People don’t know much ahout it but the exposure (Cable 10) will give us will make a difference.
The tournament will be broadcast on QCTV Tuesday, June 25 from to 11ppm. and Sunday June 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.