On May 7, 2011 the AAU Super Regional Karate Championship was held at Ft Pierce, Florida.  Dr. Iris Matsukado had previously qualified to participate in 3 categories at this tournament.  She won a silver medal in kata (form), sparring (fighting) and weapons form. She has been training in Shotokan style of karate since December 2007.  She currently is a member of the 2011 Mark Pinner Karate National Tournament team with her two children. She follows a vigorous training schedule, practice two times a week on form, two additional times a week in weapons and at least two to four times a month in tournament training. Has it paid off?  The smile says it all. 

“Karate is something I really enjoy.  I have always tried to be physically fit, this however encompasses much more, the self defense and fun aspects as well” says Dr. Matsukado. She currently holds a 1KYU rank, which means the next belt she will be wearing is a black one. What’s next? AAU National Karate Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where she will try to win gold in the same categories.

Dr. Matsukado recently said, “This is a sport I would recommend to all.  It helps develop character, team work and discipline.  I have seen a real change in my children now that they are on the tournament team. They have had to make sacrifices too. Giving up free time to practice, while at home.  They have a real focus not in just winning but in doing the very best possible. We as a family all realize that how we do in these tournaments affects how others view our school and team”.