50 MAN KUMITE – THE ULTIMATE TEST – 1986

When I first heard that there was going to be a 50 man kumite test in Australia I gave little thought to entering it. Although I had long wanted to do something like that I felt that at 39 I was far too old to try.However, the more I thought about it the stronger the desire to do it became so I began to examine my motives. I thought that this would be a good way to get several points across to karate students everywhere. The first being that at 39 I could still mix it well with the ‘youngies’, secondly that age is no barrier in itself and if the desire is strong enough nothing is impossible. Thirdly, that if I could do it then a lot of other students who didn’t think they could might also try. So three months before the date I began training. I began by working on my fitness level and stamina. Three weeks later I included weight training as well as technique and breath control. My weight dropped dramatically and I found myself getting weaker instead of stronger. It was then that I spoke to my longtime friend and training partner Les Pickersgill (sandan) and he pointed out that I was trying to lose weight and become strong at the same time. This is not always possible and my aim should be to carry some weight and be stronger for the 50 fights. We then began a different type of training designed by Les to give me more punching power, increase reflexes and sharpen defences. After a few weeks I could see the result and the pain, blood, sweat and tears became easier to bear because I knew I was going to make it. I also discovered three different types of inner drive. The first is the strong desire to actually do it that makes you start training and keep going. The second is the “spirit” that makes you train harder and constantly push yourself and the third is the extra special one that makes you keep going when you come to hate training and you don’t want to do anything. In the last two weeks of training I experienced this last aspect greatly but at last the day to leave was here and I still don’t know whether I was excited or nervous when I left but we arrived at the camp and had a pleasant five days of hell before the test. The camp training was really hard especially with the test at the back of my mind all the time but finally the day was here. When we lined up I can remember thinking that this is what I had pushed myself so hard for and nothing was going to stop me getting through. After five fights I began to think that maybe I wouldn’t make it as I was starting to puff but around the 10th fight I found my wind and got my balance. The next 10 fights are just a blur and then I thought tragedy struck as I slipped and fell on the side on my knee and as the pain coursed through me I thought that I would have to pull out. However, whilst lying on my back with the first aid attendant applying an ice pack I began to feel angry. Angry especially with myself for even thinking of retiring and the applause as I got to my feet spurred me on even more. In the next few fights I realised that if I was to last I had to stop thinking about the number of fights left and just worry about surviving. So I became absorbed in each fight to the extent that I often did not hear the call of `game’ or anything-else for that matter. When the Shodan candidates sat down I knew there was only 10 fights to go and with my wife screaming at me that I was there I tried as hard as I could. Towards the end I think I got a little sloppy but the last fight came out well and suddenly it was all over. So many emotions flicked through me when I knew that I had done it. Pain and pleasure, pride and humility, satisfaction, contentment, love but I think most of all – pride – that I was a member of that strongest karate. That day was certainly the hardest of my life, all the fights were of a high standard and you could not afford to try and cruise through any. Many of the fighters tried as hard as they could to stop you. From a personal point of view I was well pleased to come out of it with no serious injury and getting hit with only a few thigh kicks that hurt and not getting swept at all (sometimes my two weakest points) proved that the training that Les and I had done was well worth it. My sincere thanks to Les for guiding me along the right way, I know I would not have made it without his help and advice, and a special thanks to my wife Geni for putting up with me through all the training. I know it was difficult and I was not easy to live with. Now that I have done it I can say that the nickname ‘the ultimate test’ is very apt and anyone contemplating trying it should be prepared for the hardest day of your life but also the most satisfying.
Gary Viccars