I am proud to post that 5 of our karate students brought home 8 trophies from a recent trip to Hanshi John Almeida's Karate Tournament! Four out of the five students placed 1st in either fighting or forms! This kind of outcome can only mean that our students are pushing themselves to the limit to improve on a daily basis.
Seniors Brendan Stolarz and Amy Whitney Perry have been a part of the club for three years now and have really come into their own this year. They have been leaders and strong competitors! Brendan recorded a first place trophy in forms and a fourth place position in the teen advanced fighting division. Amy competed in the 18+ women's division and held her own against much more experienced competition. Jeff Duchesne and Junellie Leon were our junior year level competitors and really made an impact in their divisions. Junellie earned first place in both kata and kumite while Jeff scored a first place victory in forms and battled for a third place finish in a tough teen advanced kumite division. Jeff, a blue belt in Kyokushin Karate almost beat a brown belt of the same style.
Lastly, Amanda Meli of freshman year, competed ferociously in the teen advanced black belt division. She earned a first place position in fighting and a third place in forms.
The difference between the black belt divisions and the kyu ranks divisions was the type of kumite...Black belts fought in a continuos setting, 1-2 minute rounds instead of point fighting with stoppages.
Congratulations to these competitors and their incredible dedication to the martial arts!
Osu!
Sensei
