History of Karate Maynia

Since 1977, Master Ron Day & the Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre have presented their annual open Martial Arts tournament in the Region of Waterloo. From the early years in the Kitchener Dojo and at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Waterloo, to the Conestoga College Athletic Complex, to competitions at the University of Waterloo, to today’s competitions at the legendary Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, many of today’s club owners and operators, as well as many prominent names and legends in the Martial Arts world, have competed over the years at various Karate Maynia championships.

The name “KarateMaynia” was coined and adopted due to the fact that the tournament occurred on the first Saturday in May of each year. Kung Fu was added to the title, as Master Day, first and foremost, was a Kung Fu stylist, and he wanted everyone to know that the competition was a truly open one, and not restricted to any one style in particular. Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, and everything in between, all are welcomed.

Past events included everything from Lion Dances, to professional kick boxing cards, to demonstrations by other Martial Arts masters, culminating with the Master Ron Day Tribute Dedication at the 2009 event, the first event following Master Day’s untimely passing in 2008. The tribute featured Masters of the Martial Arts past and present, who were not only legendary Martial Artists, but also great friends of the man, the myth, the legend, Master Ron Day.

Today, Karate Maynia continues to be one of the premier sporting events in the province of Ontario, bringing together Martial Artists from across the country and the United States. Fair play and big time awards continue to be aspects of the tournament that draw competitors year after year to The Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The venue itself is one of the finest on the tournament circuit, with the layout allowing spectators to view up close from the sidelines, while judges and competitors can perform uninhibited and comfortably on the competition floor. The true secret to the continued success of Karate / Kung Fu Maynia, is the army of volunteers that help run the tournament. Without the over 100 people working together in scorekeeping, security, registration, hospitality, and seating, the entire event would not be able to operate as smoothly and efficiently as it does each year.

So please enjoy your experience at Karate / Kung Fu Maynia, and if you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact one of our numerous staff members, or promoter Sigung David Hackett himself. Best of luck to everyone, and we look forward to seeing, and serving you soon !