MT EVELYN MARTIAL ARTS

2009 JUNIOR AND INTERMEDIATE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS !!!!

This years tournament saw some of the fastest, funniest and fierce sparring to date.  As usual I was most impressed with every students performance and sportsmanship !

 From our youngest group Emma and Hayden put on a show that brought the house down.  Parents and family members laughed and cheered as Emma won for the girls and Hayden reminded us all of the fun that is karate.  Hayden 'the entertainer' and Emma the 'wonder girl' ! Check out their photos below. 

 Our champion fighters above are -

(TOP LEFT) - Shae and Connor who were the highest ranked intermediates at 3rd dan.  Both with well over 7 years training produced a battle that impressed all.  Connor took out the win in style and Shae pushed him for all he was worth.  Well done Connor and well done Shae.

 (TOP RIGHT) - A three way battle between young (left to right) Max Riley and Renee.  Our students put on a good show of controlled contact sparring that saw our Riley win the bout.  Everyone could see the great efforts of our Max against taller opponents like Renee who was outstanding in her efforts.  Well done all three for going so well - and to our Max WHO NEVER GIVES UP.

 (ABOVE LEFT) - our three beginners showed a new level of sparring with a great mix of knees, hands and angles.  It was impressive to see such new guys remember their basics under pressure.  Credit goes to Adam who as a white belt fought with two others at the next level.  Jacksons quick moves held Matthew at bay till the final rounds.  Matthew took on the challenge with 'cool as ice' techniques and a clever approach.  Best beginner fight we've seen in a long time.  Parents loved it.

(ABOVE RIGHT) - Without doubt the bravest fighter of the night was our Fred who agreed to fight against a much more senior black belt.  Freds original partner couldnt make the tournament but Fred wanted to give it a go.  To his credit he took on Phillip who is well known for his speed and power.  Fred took out one of the three rounds but two of them went to Phillip.  Recognition to Phillip for a powerful performance and congratulations on a win against an oustanding and BRAVE opponent.

(ABOVE LEFT) - Our two competitors on this round were young Jordan (right) and Brandon (left).  The two started a fierce round that developed into a great display of non-contact kicks and punches.  It goes without saying that great personal control was the highlight of their match.  Jordan won the two of the three rounds and Brandon won one.  Thanks to both for showing what sparring control is all about. 

(ABOVE RIGHT) - Ashlee (left) and Kasey (right) were two great competitors who showed great respect toward each other.  It was outstanding that Ashlee showed such concern for Kasey in their sparring rounds.  Kasey (last years tournament winner) came second this year after refusing to let a tournament go by without giving it a go!  No obstacle of feeling unwell was going to prevent her from signing up to do the tournament and it made us all proud.  Ashlee showed due concern for our Kasey and went on to win the battle, to be our new tournament champion.

(ABOVE)

In our junior black belt group we saw an outstanding level of competition between 3 very capable young students.  Our competitors from left to right were Taryn Tyler and Lachlan.  Lachlan was last years winner and put on agreat show but was tipped out by a very determined Tyler.  Taryn wasn't letting anyone through to the winning place without a fight.  She made it very difficult for anyone she faced.  Full credit goes to our very determined and well trained sparring machine - 'Tyler' who improved from last years' result, to become our 2009 tournament champion.  - "Come - on boys ! These girls are doing too well - he he.... Well done all of you and bring on more competition.