ISKF World Shoto Cup fires off this Monday

The much awaited second International Shotokan Karatedo Federation (ISKF) World Shoto Cup 2012 and seminar will kick off this Monday at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug.

The event is one of a series of events aimed at upgrading the rankings of its members.

The meet will serve as a teaser for the tournament proper to be participated by 14 countries happening on Nov. 8-11.  Cebu Coordinator Reynan Vidal announced that the biggest delegation from South Africa will arrive first on Nov. 8 to be followed by Egypt and Lebanon and top contender and inaugural champion United States of America (USA) on the 9th.

“We are very excited as the days drew near because it’s going to be a great week for Philippine Karatedo and for ISKF,” said Vidal.

The divisions to be competed are Junior (8-17 years old), Adult (18-44 years old) and Seniors (45 years old above) featuring competitions in two different categories, the kata (form) and kumite (sparring).

Team Philippines will be spearheaded by Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalist OJ Delos Santos of Cebu along with other karatekas who already won several international tournaments in the past.

Fourteen of the 60 member countries of ISKF will come here in Cebu this week to compete for the coveted title including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, Argentina, India, Germany, Egypt, Israel and Switzerland aside from the United States, South Africa and host Philippines.

Organizers are expecting 250-300 karatekas to compete.