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Traditional Karate Academy

Traditional Karate Academy Sends Four to Compete on the World Stage

Des Moines, IA – For four students from the Traditional Karate Academy, their journey to Spain for the World Traditional Karate Championship represents the culmination of years of dedication and training. These elite athletes, trained under Sensei Kraig Rosendahl and Sensei Seth Rosendahl, are set to compete against the world’s best, marking a significant milestone not only for the dojo but also for the martial arts community in Des Moines. The World Championship, organized by the World Traditional Karate Union (WTKU), will bring together top competitors from four major international karate federations, making it the most prestigious event for traditional karate practitioners worldwide.

A Legacy of Traditional Karate

The Traditional Karate Academy (TKA) in Des Moines has nearly 50 years of history in martial arts tradition. TKA was founded and led by Kraig Rosendahl, who began his karate training in 1976 under the tutelage of Sensei Christopher Smaby. Kraig’s vision was to create a dojo that reflects the traditional Okinawan and Japanese values of karate, where the dojo is not just a place for physical training but a center for developing character, discipline, and respect.

“We’ve tried to hold on to the traditional feel of how karate was taught in old Japan,” explains Seth. “My father wanted to recreate that environment where students not only train their bodies but also their minds and spirits.”

At the heart of the dojo’s philosophy is the balance between karate-jitsu, the practical application of martial arts techniques, and karate-do, which emphasizes personal growth, honor, and humility. This dual focus is what sets Traditional Karate Academy apart from many modern, commercialized martial arts schools, where the pursuit of belt ranks and competition can overshadow the deeper values of the art.

Competing on the Global Stage

The World Traditional Karate Championship, set to take place in Spain, is the culmination of rigorous qualifying events that include regional, national, and international competitions. The championship is organized by four major traditional karate organizations: the World Traditional Karate Federation, the World Budo Karate Association, the International Traditional Karate Federation, and the World Fudokan Federation. Each country sends its top competitors to represent them in various divisions, including kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and team events.

For the four students representing Traditional Karate Academy – Bailey Johnson, Julianna Rosendahl, Aidan Rosendahl, and Ava Rosendahl – this event marks a major milestone of their martial arts journey. Each of them earned their place on the U.S. team by excelling at the U.S. Budo Karate Association National Tournament, competing against top martial artists from across the country, where these four athletes all achieved top rankings at the 2024 US National Championship.

Seth describes the significance of this competition: “The World Championship is a gathering of the best traditional karate athletes in the world. These are competitors who have been through intense qualification processes, and only the top two from each country in each division make it here. It’s an honor just to be invited.”

The Rigorous Path to Spain

Qualifying for the World Championship was no easy feat. The competitors had to first prove themselves in regional tournaments before testing in the elimination rounds which are required to compete in the US National Championship. Upon qualifying for Nationals, only those placing in the top two spots in each division nationally can earn an invitation to the US Team for the World Championship. For Seth’s students, this journey was a testament of their resilience and commitment to excellence.

At 19 years old, Julianna is a third dan black belt. Aidan, 17, holds a second dan black belt, while Ava, 13, is a first dan. Bailey Johnson, 24, rounds out the team with a second dan black belt. Bailey recently competed at the prestigious Top 10 World Championship in Poland, where he placed fifth, despite being removed from the finals after suffering a concussion during the event.

Philosophy in Action:

Winning with Honor

The philosophy of karate-do, the way of karate, plays a crucial role in how these athletes approach competition. At the Traditional Karate Academy, the focus is not just on winning, but on competing with honor and respect. Seth emphasizes that while victory is important, how one wins is even more significant.

“Winning without honor is no victory at all,” Seth explains. “In traditional karate, we train to win, but we also train to develop our character. The composure, mental strength, and humility that we cultivate through our training matter just as much as the effectiveness of the techniques we practice. Honor in victory and defeat. With honor you don’t lose, you learn and grow in your abilities and your character.”

This mindset is particularly important as the students prepare for the pressures of international competition. Competing at the world level is not just about physical prowess but about maintaining composure and mental fortitude under pressure. Seth sees this experience as an opportunity for his students to grow both as athletes and individuals.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing how they handle the pressure,” Seth says. “The ability to go through hardship and come out stronger is what karate is all about. Whether they win or lose, the real victory is in how they carry themselves and how they grow from the experience.”

Raising the Bar at the Dojo

The excitement surrounding the World Championship has had a profound effect throughout the dojo. The intensity of the competition training has elevated the level of commitment for all students, not just those competing in Spain. Seth notes that the dojo’s focus on kata, kumite, and basic techniques has sharpened as the four athletes prepare for their international debut.

“Even the students who aren’t competing have raised their game,” Seth explains. “Competition training has pushed everyone to focus more, to get better, and to approach their training with more intensity.”

The entire dojo has rallied behind the four competitors, offering support through both encouragement and fundraising efforts. The generosity of fellow students, along with contributions from the Senseis’ church family, has made it possible for the athletes to attend the championship, covering the costs of airfare, competition fees, and accommodations.

“The community support has been phenomenal,” Seth shares. “The rest of the students know this is a big deal, and it’s been a confirmation for everyone that our school is legitimate, the real deal, and that we’re producing the highest quality martial artists.”

A Test of Spirit and Skill

As the World Championship approaches, Seth remains optimistic about his students’ chances, but his primary focus is on the lessons they will learn through the experience. “The growth that comes from competing at this level is invaluable,” he says. “I want to see them take this opportunity and come back stronger, not just as champions, but as individuals who can handle adversity with grace and resilience.”

For Seth, the World Traditional Karate Championship is not just a test of skill – it’s a test of spirit. Whether the students return with medals or not, the journey itself will leave an indelible mark on their development as martial artists.

As the team from Traditional Karate Academy heads to Spain, they carry with them the hopes and support of their dojo and community. Their participation in the World Championship is a reflection of the academy’s deep commitment to the values of traditional karate – discipline, honor, and personal growth. Whether they return with medals or simply with stories of personal growth, one thing is certain: they have already won in the eyes of their sensei, their dojo, and their supporters.

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“The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants.” – Gichin Funakoshi