Have you ever been with lots of people but still felt alone? This is a feeling I would rather not have repeated. My husband Don, our daughter Emily, and I headed for St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, April 13th. I wanted to compete in the Silver Sun Showdown tournament put on by Master Terry Creamer's All Star Karate Academy. We thought we would also do a little sightseeing while we were there.
We rented a Nissan Altima from Enterprise for a great price for the weekend. We arrived at our hotel around 11:00 P.M., unpacked and went immediately to bed. I was hoping to be relaxed for the tournament the next morning. Unfortunately a family moved into the next room at 2:00 A.M. and they we not silent. This went on for hours. We would have left the hotel but all of our things were unpacked. I slept in the bathtub to get away from the noise. So much for being rested.
Don and Emily dropped me off at the Hazelwood East High School by 9:00. They were going to check out St. Louis. As I entered the school Sensei Jill Bingham greeted me with a huge smile and hug. That helped the problems from the previous night seem insignificant. I think the tournament runs as smoothly as it does because of her.
I checked in and headed toward the gym to stake my claim on a corner to practice. I saw Master Creamer on my way. With a smile and a hug I asked him how he was doing. His response: I'm here! Enough said. From my spot I had seen him at various times throughout the day. He adds a polished look to the tournament, a look of control.
A short time later I saw Brett. He gave me huge smile and a nice hug. Although he needed to get ready to compete, he took a few minutes to chat with me. He is like that. I didn't get a chance to see Brett perform but I knew he would be great. He did win Grand Champion. Go Brett!! At one point I saw him as I was waiting to compete in weapons. He was the center judge for the kids who were sparring in a ring near me. He was patient and helped everyone have a good time. He is going to be a wonderful teacher.
There were many competitors in the over 35, under black belt division for weapons. Men and women competed together. Some were on the karate circuit where they get points if they place. A few competed for both points and no points. When it came time for my kata, on my very first move, my sai was caught on my sleeve. To make things just a bit more tense for me, my Sensei was one of my judges. Crap!! I finished my kata without error. I was pleased about that. The bo was the weapon of choice for those who did place. There was a small older Asian woman who did a cane kata. That was a new one for me.
I barely had time to run to the bathroom when I heard the call for 35 and up for open hand kata. I performed what I felt was my best kusanku. EVER. Apparently it wasn't what the judges wanted. I didn't recognize the style that placed in first, second, and third but the women were all from the same school. I think one of our judges was from their school because they were all talking before and after the competition like old friends. I don't know what place I actually came in for weapons or open hand kata because only first, second, and third were called.
The same women who won in kata were also in the sparring division plus a few more women. Knowing how badly I breathe when I am sparring in class, I opted out of competing with them. Usually Stacy is with me, cheering me on. This time, however, I was on my own. Alone. I chickened out. I regret it now. I should have at least tried.
With a heavy heart I called Don to pick me up. While I was waiting for him, I chatted with Jill. Her smile and kind words helped me feel better. I wish she lived closer to me. I enjoy talking with her because she tells great stories. As I was leaving she said she would call me when the tournament was over. Once in the car we went back to the hotel so I could change out of my gi.
Jill called about an hour later. A large group from the tournament was to meet at Pappy's Smoke House. Last year Stacy, our girls, and I went to Pappy's. The food was fabulous! Don, Emily and I wanted to see the Gateway Arch so I told Jill I would call her when we were finished there.
The Arch is wonderful if you aren't acrophobic (which I am) or claustrophobic. Once at the base, I looked up at the curve of the Arch and thought: What was I thinking? The ride up and back down is in little pod which hold 5 people. Each pod has a self-centering device that spooked me because of the sound it made. Once at the top you are 630 feet up. I couldn't wait to get back to the bottom. I am glad I went but I don't think I will be doing that again anytime soon.
It was many hours later when I tried unsuccessfully to reach Jill. She told me later her phone had been accidentally left in her car which she had lent to some out-of-town guests. Maybe I'll make it to Pappy's next year. I was really looking forward to the BBQ ribs. What I will miss the most though is the opportunity to chat with Jill. It's nice to have another friend in karate, especially one I don't have to compete with.
All in all the trip was an interesting one. I'm happy I went. I now know how much I need support at tournaments. My sensei, Sensei Young, was there but he was judging the entire time. Master Creamer, Jill, and Brett were all working with the tournament. They didn't have time to baby-sit me. I had hoped Don and Emily would have stayed during the tournament but I know it's not their thing. I am thankful he made the effort to get me there. Even though Stacy and I compete against each other, it's comforting to know she is there. Going solo isn't for me.
