Quarterly

From the Editor:

Sport Karate’s Triple Threats

Some of us know what it means to be dominant in "1" division, or consistently win "1" category. Some of us understand how much blood, sweat, and tears go into achieving that "1" title. Now imagine multiplying that feeling by "3.” Only a few competitors actually know what it feels like to be consistently be favored to win the "BIG 3" areas of competition (fighting, forms, and weapons) year after year. Two superstars who are quite familiar with this feeling are Jason Tankson Bourelly & Keith Weston, Sport Karate's current “Triple Threats.”

Triple Threats are multifaceted competitors that are confident about winning, but also not afraid to lose. Too often many of our favorite fighters or forms competitors do not possess the drive to be all-around Sport Karate competitors (I know, I only compete in sparring). Either they were satisfied with their accomplishments and accolades in a single division, or didn't want to spend the time and money on a "possible" loss. Interestingly enough, what we found in our interviews with Mr. Weston and Mr. Tankson is that winning and losing is not the focus or fuel behind their competitive spirit... It’s being well-rounded and complete individuals.

This comparison of Triple Threats goes deeper than the amount of divisions that they enter and dominate. Jason and Keith are opposite and identical at the same time. Jason is the face found in the dictionary next to the word “Open.” He is just as creative and innovative as he is electrifying. Keith's stances, literally and figuratively, are deeply rooted in tradition. His knowledge of eastern philosophy as it applies to Sport Karate and life is one in the same. Although they come from opposite ends of the competitive spectrum (and different countries might I add), the open & traditional approach is where the differences end.

Between the lines of the insightful answers given to us in this cover story, you'll find an appreciation for competitors that came before them, and a responsibility for those that are to follow. Jason and Keith name their fathers as major influences in their Sport Karate careers, and sight their students as inspirations for the future. Both are extremely humble considering their list of achievements to date. Jason and Keith are able to look within and find room for improvement, while the rest of us see perfect 10's.

While writing this article, the question of competing in multiple divisions quickly took a backseat to a deeper meaning of the Triple Threat. Each of these legends in the making has demonstrated a dedication and spirit that allows them to succeed in anything to which they apply focus, determination, and discipline. Those are definitely "3" attributes from "2" role models that each "1" of us should apply, applaud, and appreciate.

Kumite Quarterly (KQ) is an extension of Kumite International, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to recognize Sport Karate Champions. The participation of the Kumite International members at rated events culminates in over $10,000 in college scholarships awarded to the top rated Martial Artist in their respective categories. Non-profit organizations cannot thrive without the generosity of others. If you like what you see in this issue, and are supportive of the goals of Kumite International, please feel free to contact us at Kumite Quarterly to be a sponsor or to advertise in future issues.

Masai Turner

Guest Editorial

Kumite Quarterly

KUMITE

QUARTERLY

Official Publication of Kumite International

Publisher

Kumite International

Editor

Marlena Solomon

Graphics/Illustrations

Tim Meyer

Advertising

Team KI

Photo Journalists

Marlena Solomon

Bridget Fouse

Kumite International

Executive Officers

*President

James Cvetic

*Director

Bill Viola Jr.

*Legal Council

C. James Parks

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Kumite International as a publisher does not make any endorsement, recommendations or guarantee on products, services, organizations, tournaments, or individuals, advertised, or written herein. Kumite International disclaims any and all liability

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Submissions:

KUMITE QUARTERLY

120 Stratford Drive

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Terrence Tubio & Nichole Sullivan

Hello, and welcome to the first issue of Kumite Quarterly - The official publication for Kumite International. KQ is an extension of Kumite International, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the growth, advancement and recognition of martial artists on a local, regional, national and international level through the KickKiss ratings system. The participation of the Kumite International members at rated events culminates in over $10,000 in college scholarships awarded to the top rated martial artist in their respective categories.

Kumite Quarterly serves as another means of recognizing Team KI members and their accomplishments, the tournaments they attend, promoters, the schools that support KI through fundraising and student participation, and the private donors and business that sponsor KI's ongoing efforts.

For our first edition of Kumite Quarterly the staff chose two standout Team Kumite International members (out of many) who in their first year of major national competition, matured as martial artists in their respective disciplines to bring home national titles and garner recognition by sport karate athletes in some of the most prestigious martial arts arenas.

Both Nichole and Terrence have proven themselves as competitors, but they are also great role models for their peers and the younger students who see their success. They are exemplary in team spirit and in respect for the sport and others. KI executive director Bill Viola Jr. said, "I don't ever expect results...what I do is respect people's efforts." Nichole, Terrence and Charlie Slie's efforts have been rewarded by being the only three Team KI members given Platinum status.

Non-profit organizations cannot thrive without the generosity of others. If you like what you see in this issue, and are supportive of the goals of Kumite International, please feel free to contact us at Kumite Quarterly to be a sponsor or to advertise in future issues. Kumite Quarterly will be published and distributed on a quarterly basis.

We also welcome photos and tournament articles for future editions of Kumite Quarterly, to highlight outstanding individual performances at tournaments, KI fundraising efforts or upcoming events.

The staff and I hope that you enjoy this inaugural edition of Kumite Quarterly, and we look forward to your readership and support in the future. See you in the spring!

Marlena C. Solomon

Editor

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