Jaime Cardenos, Panama Karate Federation

I first met Jaime at the PKF Referee Course in Caracas, Venezuela, May 2008. He was already a certified Central American Referee A and a PKF Kumite Judge C. He was attempting an upgrade to Judge B.

The examiners evidently considered that he was worthy of an upgrade, having shown without a doubt that he could make good decisions with a fast reaction time. Being in the same ring as Jaime for 3 days provided ample opportunity to confirm that the examiners were correct. What makes Jaime so interesting is that he judges international competitions single-handedly. That’s right. He uses one hand to manipulate both the red and the blue flag for all gestures.
Jaime started karate in 1984 for reasons of self discipline and to learn how to defend himself, since he was born with a truncated left arm just below the elbow. As time marched on he became immersed in karate and is presently 3rd Dan in Shotokan. He started officiating in 2002 and attended his first international course in Honduras, where Mr. Katsutaka Tanaka of Anchorage, Alaska encouraged him to show that his ability to judge competition were just the same as – or better than anyone else’s.

He became interested in refereeing because he enjoys tournaments, and has received much positive encouragement from Mr. Tanaka as well as Mr. Javier Mantilla, PKF Referee Council Chair, both of who Jaime holds in high regard for their willingness to give him a chance.
His advice for the able bodied? Teach handicapped people all aspects of karate just like everyone else. His advice for the handicapped - avoid developing an inferiority complex based on a disability and follow your dreams.
Sage advice for all of us indeed.

Norma Foster