Seido Open at UTech today

Ainsley Walters, Gleaner Writer

MARTIAL artists jetting off to next weekend's US Open in Orlando, Florida, will grace the local mat today at the annual Vivobarefoot Seido Karate International at the University of Technology auditorium.

As Seido Karate celebrates 36 years in Jamaica, the best of the best will be on show, including Jamaica and international champions who have featured on the still-undefeated Jamaica combined martial arts team which has rocked the world for the last six years.

Reigning Grand Champion Paul Williams, of New York Seido, arrived in the island on Tuesday and is ready and raring to go.

Williams, renowned for his powerful body punches, has no plans to relinquish his title. Among the stars listed are former combined team member and International Taekwondo Federation World Championship bronze medallist Alrick Wanliss.

The McDowell brothers, Kevin and Philip, also combined team members, are among the fighters Grand Champion Williams will be up against to defend his crown.

Jun Shihan Tony Robinson of Seido Karate told The Gleaner that in celebration of Seido's 36th year in Jamaica, more medals will be awarded this year.

"Martial arts have grown tremendously over the years and we are dominating the international scene with our gifted fighters, defeating fighters from USA, Britain, Japan, South Africa, Vietnam, Poland and other countries," he said.

Grateful to Vivobarefoot

Robinson said he was also grateful for the input of Vivobarefoot, sponsor of Jamaica's combined martial arts team and the Sports Development Foundation.

"This is a wonderful gesture by Vivobarefoot and the SDF, as usually it's the traditional sports such as football and cricket that get the sponsors. But with the huge success of Jamaican martial arts internationally, they graciously assisted, and it is greatly appreciated," he said.

One of the biggest highlights of the tournament will be the inter-school competition which features rivalry among Kingston College, Calabar, Jamaica College, Wolmer's and Cornwall.

Most high schoolers are also preparing for the US Open at which Jamaica reaped a record 83 medals last year.

There will also be a special mixed martial arts kung fu division which promises much excitement.

First mat opens at 9:30 a.m. and Robinson implored "the key word is discipline".