It all springs into action at the University of Technology (UTech) auditorium on Saturday as martial artists from Jamaica and overseas showcase their skills at the Annual Seido Karate International Tournament, celebrating 40 years of Seido Karate in Jamaica.

The best martial artists 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 nine years. Former Grand Champion Paul Williams from New York Seido, arrived in the island on Monday and is ready and raring to go. Williams, known for his powerful body punches that have left many competitors wincing in pain, has great plans to regain the title he lost last year.

But many other hopefuls plan to grab the spotlight and be crowned grand champion at this prestigious tournament. Competitors like Christopher Sinclair of New York Seido — who is the two-time current Grand Champion of the New York Seido Tournament — Nicholas Dusard, Eric Wanliss, the McDowell brothers and reigning female Grand Champion Sabrina Richards from tae kwon do, plus many-times 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 Boys’ School and Cornwall College. 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 the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), which continues to make a commitment to martial arts in Jamaica and Mighty Fist, manufacturers of martial arts safety equipment.

Sei 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 the SDF and Mighty Fist as, usually, it’s the traditional sports such as football, netball 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 and the key word is discipline.