Here is the latest GKL News:

2012 Changes: 

* DIVISIONS- A list of the 2012 divisions is attached.  Changes were made in an effort to give the competitors more competition through larger divisions. 

  Here are the changes:

  1.  8 & Under Youth Divisions will be combined Male & Female for kata, kobudo and kumite.  Groups will be split by rank and size at each tournament.

  2.  All other Kobudo Divisions will combine Male & Female.  Empty Hand Kata and Kumite divisions will be separate Male & Female. 

  3.  A Master's division has been added for 4th Dan and up.  3rd Kyu to 3rd Dan will be combined into the Advanced Division. 

  4.  Promoter has the discretion to add or delete divisions in the 10-4th Kyu groups based on rank difference.

* RULES- The only Rules change for 2012 is Advanced (Brown/Black) competitors  (all ages) cannot repeat the same Kobudo (Weapons) Kata in a consecutive round. 

  This is consistent with the current rule for Empty-Hand Kata.  This does not apply to Kyu ranks 4th kyu and higher. 

* OFFICIALS-  The January 7th officials training was a huge success.  We had some 30 attendees in what I think was the best session since the program started.  Several current officials re-certified and we have several new officials.  Thanks to all that attended and our Chief Official Alan Weatherby for a job well done. 

* VIP OFFICIALS-  The GKL is breaking new ground again.  While our Officials Certification program is a success we understand that we are missing the judging experience and knowledge of several of the regions highest ranking karate masters.  We have also been negligent is giving them their proper recognition when they attend our tournaments and functions.  Therefore for 2012 going forward we are beginning the GKL VIP OFFICIAL  program.  These select few of high ranking  (8th Dan and higher)  will be given special credentials, clearly visible at a VIP Officials table at teach tournament, recognized at each tournament and asked to judge our Adult Advanced & Black Belt Kata and Kobudo divisions.  We can think of no better way to add excitement to our Advanced competition then being judged before this elite group.  We welcome and are honored to introduce our inaugural VIP OFFICIAL group of Sensei's. 

Here they are:

Joe Ruiz, 10th Dan- Shito-Ryu

Dave Domer, 9th Dan- Shotokan, (Certified GKL Official)

Don Roberts, 9th Dan- Isshin-Ryu (Certified GKL Official)

Dan Smith, 9th Dan- Shorin-Ryu

Jim Larocco- 9th Dan- Isshin-Ryu

Jerry Taylor- 8th Dan- Shorin-Ryu

Ron Downton- 8th Dan- Shito-Ryu

* 2011 Awards Presentation-  There are some big changes to this years recognition of our 2011 State Champions, Division Runner-Ups, Outstanding Volunteers and Officials.  We will have this presentation before the first tournament of the year which is Saturday, February 25th.  There are several reasons behind changing from a banquet and dinner following the tournament.  First is the added time it took to have the banquet.  By doing the recognition first, the attendees can leave after the presentation or if they are competing in the tournament then they can leave after they have finished their division.  Two, having a meal meant we had to charge for any guests that wanted to attend the banquet.  There will no charge to attend this years presentation.  In fact we hope and encourage all to come and applaud our awardees and it won't cost you anything.  Third, saving the additional money that it took to hold the banquet will enable us to better recognize our awardees.  We hope everyone will join us for this presentation which will start promptly at 10:00AM, Saturday, February 25, 2012.

* Tournament- Attached is the flyer and application for our first tournament of the year.  It is the 22nd IKKU Atlanta Invitational that will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012.  Tournament is at Duluth High School, Duluth, GA.  Save $10 by pre-registering before 2/18/12.  Please join us as we start the GKL's 15th year of competition. 

Happy New Year!!!!!

Larry Griffin, Chairman

The Douglas County sheriff's office has recovered a Century brand duffle bag from a suspected burglary ring.  When inspected it was discovered that the duffle bag has a bottom compartment that contains martiall arts weapons. Most likely the bag came from a burglary in Douglas, Cobb, or Fulton Counties. We are asking your assistance in helping us locate the owner. 

Contact:

Inv. Kenneth Conner

Major Crime Unit

Douglas County Sheriff's Office

6856 Broad St.

Douglas, GA 30234

OFF. 770-920-4904

FAX  770-920-7135