JUBAIL, 18 July 2003 — The Maharlika International Shotokan Association (MISA) based in Dammam, proved its dominance by capturing the “Cali Drinks” Challenge Cup, sweeping the junior and senior events at the recently concluded 6th MISA Open Invitational Karate Tournament at the Jubail Sports Complex.
The event billed as the “Cali Drinks” Challenge Cup was organized by Sensei Raul S. Gonzales, a 5th Degree Combat Black Belt and Sensei Willy Gemina, a 4th Degree Combat Black Belt, the chief instructor of MISA.
The one-day martial art tournament was sponsored by the World Organizer of Martial Arts USA, Saudi Arabia Chapter (WOMA-KSA), World Heads of Society (WHOs), a confederation of Heads and Founders of International Karate Styles, Board of Martial Arts Council (BOMAC), and organization of martial arts referees and judges and Cali Drinks, which generously provided the drinks, including the trophies and giveaway items. Their Operations and Marketing Manager in the Eastern Province, Yousef Sunga, represented Cali Drinks.
The tournament was categorized into junior and senior divisions comprising of four events such as individual kata, individual kumite, team kata and team kumite, while the junior division had two special events namely individual kata and individual kumite.
More than 200 participants from more than 30 martial arts clubs and organizations from the Eastern Province including those from Bahrain, Riyadh and Khamis Mushayt took part in this tournament.
The Maharlika International Shotokan Association (MISA), the champions in the senior division garnered a total of 45 points, followed by Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Organization (OSKA) with 42 points and Oriental Kempo Martial Arts Club (OKMAK) with 14 points and Diamond Gym with 16 points respectively.
Professor Mohammad Tianero, SOKE, delivered the welcome address while Philippine Labor Attache, Manuel “Dodong” Roldan and Sotero (Boy) Tornea, Jr. OWWA supevising welfare officer, were at hand to award the trophies to the winners. Also present at the ceremony were special guests, including Ali Al-Atiq, WOMA director and vice chairman, representatives from various Filipino Community Groups, professional and civil organizations and managers of corporate sponsors.
MISA is thankful to all the sponsors and supporters, particularly Phuket Restaurant, The Tropical Food Restaurant, SkyFreight Forwarders, Chowking (Alkhobar), POLO/OWWA, Eastern Province, Al-Abdali Glass and Decors, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel, in making this event a success.
