The U.S. Weight Category Karate Championships 2012 was held at El Camino Community College, CA on January 22nd.
More than 105 contestants from around the world including Europe, Japan and the U.S. arrived in LA to enter the eighth annual tournament.All focus was on Sota Nakano a middleweight fighter making his third appearance.He was entered in the adult division and won the championship as a 17 year old in 2010.
But last year, Nakano was defeated in the first round.Afterwards, he moved to LA to train hard for this year. In the final round, he fought Mirel Iacob from Romania. Nakano fought using his signature punches but Iacob would not go down easily.
The two exchanged blows in this intense battle. The fight continued until the 4th overtime when Nakano won by decision to become the champion for the first time in two years.
For the women’s division, we focused on Miruyo Ito who has won this tournament and a world championships before. In the final round, Ito fought another Japanese fighter, Koto Hiraoka, who placed third in last year’s tournament. After an evenly matched heated battle, Ito won with her consistent punches and kicks.
Here are the rest of the results.
Men Light Weight
Kiril Zubarev (Russia)
Men Heavy Weight
Darmen Sadvogasov (Russia)
Men Super Heavy Weight
Daniel Milicevic (USA)
Women Middle Weight
Ewelina Czeremuga (USA)
After placing 2nd last year, Daniel Milicevic took home the men’s Super Heavy Weight title. Ewelina Czeremuga won the women’s Middle Weight title with a front kick.
Director:Saori Nakayama, Camera:Lika Kumoi, Editor: Hiroko Jinnno Translator: Eriko Takehama / Producer: Yasumi Urabe
The new category is “English Video”. Now you can watch videos with English subtitles. We’ve been rolling out exclusive interviews with Japanese A-Listers. As well as interviews and performances in English by musicians.
Since, we want more people to enjoy our videos, they are now available with English subtitles.
From International actress, to world champion athlete to J-Pop artists popular in both Japan and the U.S.. You can now watch them with English subtitles. www.fujisankei.com/video_library
