TODAY it all springs into action at the University of Technology (UTech) auditorium as martial artists from overseas and the best of Jamaican martial artists showcase their skills at the Annual Seido Karate International Tournament, celebrating 36 years of Seido Karate in Jamaica.

The best of the best will be on show, including Jamaica and international champions from the still undefeated Combined Martial Arts Team who have rocked the world with their skills for the last six years. Reigning Grand Champion Paul Williams from New York Seido arrived in the island on Tuesday and is ready and raring to go.

Williams, known for his powerful body punches that have left many competitors wincing in pain, has no plans to relinquish his title. Even so, many other hopefuls have plans to grab the spotlight and be crowned Grand Champion at this prestigious tournament. Competitors like Nicholas Dussard, Eric Wanliss, the McDowell brothers and reigning female Grand Champion Shakeema Cunningham, should get stiff competition from the rising stars who are hungry to make their mark on the martial arts scene.

Of special interest is the Interschool Competition which promises intense rivalry between the top schools, Kingston College, Calabar, Jamaica College, Wolmer’s and Cornwall College.

Also, there will be a special mixed martial arts kung fu division which promises much excitement. All the major schools in Jamaica will be on show, and as a special gesture, because it’s a celebration of Seido in Jamaica, more participants will receive medals than before, especially in the children’s divisions.

All this has been made possible by assistance from Vivobarefoot and the Sports Development Foundation who continue to make a commitment to martial arts in Jamaica.

As Jun Shihan Tony Robinson of Seido Karate said: “Martial arts has grown tremendously over the years, and now we are dominating the international scene with our gifted fighters, defeating fighters from USA, Britain, Japan, South Africa, Vietnam, Poland, and other countries. 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.”

Kick-off time is 9:30 am.