One of the world’s premier martial arts championships will take place at Samford University on Sunday, April 30th. The tournament is sponsored by the World Oyama Karate Organization headed by Co-founder and Director Saiko Shihan Y. Oyama. Competitors are asking friends and family to sponsor them. All sponsorship money and other donations will go to Children’s of Alabama. The American Cup will begin at begin at 1:30 p.m. in Samford’s Seibert Gymnasium with kata competition and semi-knockdown events. Knockdown Championship bouts will follow. There will be light- and heavyweight knockdown divisions for men. In semi-knockdown competition, there will be divisions for children, women, men, and senior men.  Director Oyama said, “We are pleased to once again support Children’s of Alabama. World Oyama competitors everywhere are seeking sponsors and donations that will all go to them. The competitors and the World Oyama Karate Organization are fighting for those kids in Children’s Hospital. They are the tough ones! We want to help all of them and the doctors and nurses who give such excellent care.”  Karate styles vary greatly, but full-contact, knockdown competition is always electrifying. The American Cup fighters compete bare-footed, bare-knuckled and without protective headgear. Because of the nature of this competition, only the world’s most highly skilled karate fighters are invited to compete for the coveted American Cup. Protective gear is allowed in the semi-knockdown bouts.  The internationally acclaimed American Cup draws karate competitors from many countries. Past American Cup knockdown fighters have come from Poland, Greece, England, Canada, Uruguay, Russia, Japan and the United States. The tournament, founded in 1976, was originally held in Atlanta, GA. It was relocated to Birmingham in 1997. Headquarters of the World Oyama Karate Organization, originally located in New York, NY, is now located in Birmingham.  The World Oyama Karate Organization is supporting Children’s of Alabama in several ways. American Cup competitors are soliciting friends, family and coworkers to sponsor their fight or kata competition. Donation checks made out to Children’s of Alabama may be sent to World Oyama Karate at 1804 29th Avenue South, Homewood, AL 35209-2616. All sponsorship money and contribution checks will be presented to Children’s of Alabama following the American Cup. Contributions can be made online at http://give.childrensal.org/worldoyama.   Tickets for the American Cup Karate Championship are $15 at the door on April 30th. Call 205 879-4841 or go to www.worldoyama.com for further information about tickets, program ads, or sponsorships. Like and Follow the World Oyama Karate Organization:

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