This was the FKCO's second experience to participate in this prestigious competition, the 2002 Ulimate Test World Championships that took place on June 1, 2002 at the Altman Building in New-York. For most of the participants, this was their first competition abroad. They met participants from all over the world practicing different styles of Karate.
| 20 participants climbed abord the bus Friday night. This is twice the number of participants from the last UT championship we participated in. These participants included our chauffeur Camille Ohan, Sandans Magdelene and Luciano, Senseis Kevin Vallee, Richard, Stephanie & Rolland, Sempais Jason, Rocky, ... |  |
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| Some of us were lucky (or wise) and slept for a few hours on the bus, while others were excited and talked all the way there. |  |
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As soon as we arrived, Shihan Camille Ohan found a parking on the narrow streets of Manhatton, while Senseis Magdelene and Luciano took care of registering all the candidates and settling them in. Shihan Henrioh requested a meeting with all the black belts to discuss the rules of kata, and fight (point, semi, and full). Shihan Henrioh was very diligent about the rules, and made sure everyone had a clear understanding.
Shihan Henrioh openned the tournament by welcoming everyone and explaining the rules very clearly to everyone. He repeated some of the rules more than once to make sure that everyone was clear.
The first event was the katas. The youngest age groups started first, and the kata event ended with senior black belt division.
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The second event was point system fighting. We had a new perspective on point-system fighting during this competition. Strategy, and speed plays a big part in getting points in this system of fighting. There was a long break in between the point system fighting and the semi-contact fighting so that a ring could be installed. During this hour, the organizers of the tournament asked us to wait outside. It was very, very hot, and we waiting in the boiling sun for about an hour. This of course drained the little energy that remained in all of us. Most of the competitors decided not to compete in the semi-contact because they were not physically fit. Shihan Camille went to buy 2 large pizzas and drinks to re-energize us all.
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After an motivational speech from Shihan Camille Ohan, four candidates dared to challenge themselves under these extreme conditions to fight in the semi-contact event. These brave people were: Kevin Vallee, Sadra Sadighi, Marie Brossard, and Nizar Benjaafar.
Results (26 trophies, 2 medals)
| Name | Kata | Fight (Point) | Fight (semi) |
| Roland Fabien | 2 | 3 | |
| Louise St-Denis | 2 | ||
| Stephanie Ercoli | 2 | ||
| Marc Kreidy | 3 | 2 | |
| Sadra Sadighi | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Alexandre Arrar | 2 | 3 | |
| Angelo Esposito | 4 | ||
| Rocky Mucciacciaro | 2 | ||
| Jason Landolfi | 3 | ||
| Marie Brossard | 4 | 4 | |
| Horia Vulpe | 1 | 1 | |
| Alexandre David | 3 | ||
| Dan Radulescu | 3 | 2 | |
| Michael Bonnycastel | 3 | 2 | |
| Catherine Bonneycastel | 3 | 2 | |
| Kevin Vallee | 3 | ||
| Nizan Benjaafar | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Conclusion
This competition was a great experience for all of us. We knew the meaning of perseverence. With almost no sleep, we came to compete, and for those who decided to compete in the semi-contact, found their renewed energy. In this state of mind and physical condition, we realized that we always compete for ourselves, not for others. We discovered what Mas Oyama meant when he said that you start your training when you think you don't have anymore to give. Some of us discovered our second energy, when we faught to the end, and we went home very happy with that experience.
Comments from competitors:
I don't know what i would do without karate, I was proud of myself competing without any sleep,count me in for the next competition.
Sensei Stephanie Ercoli
I found that when i went to present my kata,it was very challenging,i am proud that i received 3rd place,this competition brought the FKCO Family one step closer together.
OSU!
Sempai Jason Landolfi
I will no longer take katas lightly. I realize that I have still much to learn, especially after watching some exceptional kata demonstrations.
I forget the time when I was fighting. I had the impression of being a buffalo. My training and experience helped me to find my energy, focus, and be alert during my fight. I took one more step forward by participating in the NY competition and I am proud of myself.
Louise St-Denis.
The semi-contact was great, I'm really looking forward to next year.
Marc Kreidi
Article by Sensei Luciano Paparella, editor: Shihan Camille Ohan