On Sunday October 13th, 2013, two dedicated martial artists Michael Nguyen and Ali Al-Raisi participated in a karate tournament. They are best friends, one working on his PhD and the other working for a major corporation in New York state, compete in this tournament not for another grand champion title to add to their already excellent records, but to demonstrate great traditional karate techniques. As a result, a number of serious black belt competitors have asked to train with them.

Richard Nguyen also takes a break from United States Naval Academy to come home for the 3-day weekend to train with his brother Michael in New York. Richard is looking forward to participating in the 2013 Elite Karate Camp at Matsunami Karate dojo the weekend of November 30th and December 1st, 2013, run by some of the best Karate practitioners: Brandon Abdullah, Michael Nguyen and Ali Al-Raisi.

Hope you all enjoy the Oct. 13th International Isshinryu Karate Championship Kumite highlight video & images.

2013 International Isshinryu Karate Championship Kumite Highlights
Ali Al-Raisi and Michael Nguyen represent the Upstate New York Traditional Karate Team

Best friends Ali Al-Raisi, Michael Nguyen, Richard Nguyen

Upstate NY Traditional Karate Team: Ali, Michael and Richard are watching the kata division

Ali and Michael are warming up

Sam, Amanda, and Michael is putting on his sparring gear

Coach Richard is warming up Michael

Watch out coach Richard

Ali, Michael and coach Richard are watching a kumite match

Ali gets inside

Timing ...

Ali punches

Michael's kumite match is coming up

Go Michael

Ready to fight

Michael's hook kick

Blocking the kick ...

Then counter with punches

Timing your opponent

Punches ...

Setting up for another attack

Lead hand punch on the face

Michael: How did I perform coach Richard?

Coach Richard is making face

What a fight!

A very technical kumite match to watch: Michael vs Ali

Bowing to each other

Very precise techniques

Michael and Ali are both using traditional kumite techniques

Kicking and blocking

Footwork

Footwork

and footwork ...

Attacking and countering

Good showing

Attacking and countering

Timing

Countering

Kicking

On the way to attack

Punch

Counter punch

Punch vs kick. What a match!

Black belt competitors

Arturo, Michael, Richard, Amanda

Amanda, Michael, Ali, Richard

Michael discusses with Matt about traditional kumite techniques while Arturo is comparing karate styles

Chau, Dan, Ali, Michael, Richard, Amanda, Arturo

Sam, Michael, Richard, Tim, Brian, Ali

Richard, Brian, Michael are discussing about training

Talking about 2013 Elite Karate Camp scheduled for Nov. 30 - Dec. 1st