Indonesian SEA Games karatekas still out of form

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian karatekas due to compete at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, to be held in Kuala Lumpur this September, performed during a two-day trial session over the weekend.

The Indonesian Karate-Do Federation (Forki) is now preparing 19 karatekas in kata and kumite events and is aiming to grab seven of 19 gold medals at stake.

"Our karatekas have only reached 80 percent of their training program targets and we expect them to be able to reach it in September," karate SEA Games project manager, Tono Soe'oed, told The Jakarta Post over the phone on Sunday.

"We still have plenty of time to refine their performance. We will send them to Japan for further training."

Tono said the karatekas had reached the endurance and speed levels needed to compete in SEA Games but still needed to improve their use of power and control over their attacks.

"Most of the karatekas possess good endurance levels, very important especially in kumite events. They also demonstrated speed in delivering punches or kicks," he said.

"The problem is, that they are still unable to control their attacks, which may injure their opponents. If that happens, they will certainly be disqualified."

"We don't require full body contact in kumite. They can earn points as long as they touch their opponents lightly. Otherwise, their opponents will be granted victory."

"On the other hand, karatekas tend to hold their attacks instead of delivering them spontaneously in an explosive manner."

The karatekas will leave for Japan on July 7 for a 10-day training session in Tokyo.

"The women fighters will compete in the Ladies Open, which will also draw participants from other Southeast Asian countries. This way we can monitor their progress," said Tono.

"Meanwhile, male fighters will have sparring sessions with several karate schools in Tokyo. We want to set them in competition against karatekas of a higher level as they have no rivals here." (nvn)