Over 300 competitors from around the globe will be competing in the first-ever TAFISA World Martial Arts Games at the Richmond Olympic Oval this weekend
The competitive portion of the event starts Friday and features martial arts ranging from the exotic – such as Xtreme, Musical, and Chinese Weapons Forms – to the action-packed grapple and point sparring forms. Athletes will compete to earn medals designed by 2010 Olympic Games medal designer Corrine Hunt.
Before the competition begins, however, the games will open with free public participation martial arts demonstrations from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday. Demonstrations will include Taekwondo, Sambo, Hapkido, and Jiu-Jitsu. Here participants can learn the basics of each sport from trained Masters and try their hands at activities such as board breaking.
“The City of Richmond is delighted to host this prestigious international event," said Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The Richmond Olympic Oval is a world-class venue and we look forward to watching some of the world's best compete and perform here in their chosen martial art.”
Spectators can expect lots of entertainment options, including a beer garden and barbeque open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., musical acts including ‘Jazz Trio’ and ‘Guilty Pleasure’, and a spectacular Plaza Party on Saturday where fans can eat dinner and then mingle with their favourite athletes.
Countries competing in the event include Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, India, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, Uganda and the United States.
“TAFISA is very excited for its 1st World Martial Arts Games, which is a landmark event for both TAFISA and the global martial arts movement,” said TAFISA President, Dr. Ju-Ho Chang. “With excellent preparation by the team at Richmond Olympic Oval, a vibrant host city in Richmond, and the participation of hundreds of athletes from all continents, TAFISA is confident the Games will be an astounding success.”
Tickets to the event are $30 for a 3-day pass or $15 per day. They are available online at tickets.richmond2014.com or at the door. Dinner tickets to the Plaza Party are available for $17 each. Fans and athletes at the event can follow the competition on the ‘Sport On The Go’ app, available for both Apple and Android phones.
