Championships over the weekend with four top four finishes, a special merit for entering the most events and an invitation to do a demonstration alongwith top masters who were present at the tournament.

As well as Watson leaving his mark on the tournament with his style in forms and weapons demonstrations, the two-day event at the New York City Community College in Manhattan which attracted some 3,200 competitors also left its impression on him, from the organising to the standard of judging.

"I was up against some well-known names like Jeff Bolt who is internationally known, as well as several mainland Chinese competitors,'' explained the 38-year-old who was beaten by Bolt in the internal open forms where there were more than 100 competitors.

Watson finished second in that category, but won the open traditional forms where there were 142 competitors. He was also fourth in the `broad sword' and fourth in open weapons which involved broad sword and steel fan together.

Competition was held in 165 divisions.

"There were some 3,200 competitors in total, making it about the third or fourth largest tournament in the US,'' explained Watson whose participation was sanctioned by the governing body for martial arts, the Bermuda Martials Arts Society.

"The standard was very high. I tied three times before going into first place in the open traditional forms. I'm looking at this as a major journey.

"The judges were fair and let you know in advance what they were looking for.

Most of them were masters in Kung Fu and they were familiar with the different styles of Kung Fu.'' Watson said success had no age limit, with one winning competitor 62 years old. "Most of the competitors who won internal styles, Bagua, Tai Chi, Chi Jing, Chi Kung and Hsing Yi were over the age of 50 which goes to show martial arts has no age limit.

"I got a lot of respect from well known Kung Fu experts from China. I was also one of the few invited to do the masters demonstration.

"I've reached an age now where competition fighting does not mean much to me anymore. Form is the essence of the arts. It is also where most of the self defence and fighting techniques lie.'' Watson has been invited to compete in both the World Kung Fu Championships in Baltimore and the Capital Classics in Washington D.C., one of the largest triple A rated tournaments in the US.

"Both draw as many as 5,000 competitors but unfortunately they will be held on the same dates, August 20 and 21,'' said Watson who has yet to decide which tournament he will attend.

Kevin Watson