Great Lakes Karate Open - Nov 2nd

Saturday November 2, 2013

Twelve Students from Central Michigan Karate Club attended the
2013 Great Lakes All Star Open Martial Arts Championships
which was hosted by Director Gene Wudkewych and the Grand Rapids Karate Academy
at the Riverside Middle School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Many students were competing in their first martial arts competition and were very anxious.  Every student who participated did a great job by setting foot in the ring with a positive attitude.  All students gained experience, learned more about tournament karate and gained self-confidence in their own ability.

The experience and value students acquire by competing in the martial arts is not always measured in the final placing or taking home a trophy.  Honestly, everyone wants to win, but what we learn about ourselves when faced with difficulty often provides much more substance in the long run.

I am personally proud of each student that entered the ring.  Many people are not ready to engage competition and that is ok, however students who did compete earned a little more knowledge.  Even the simple aspect of managing all the anxious / nervous energy will be helpful in life.

Great Job Students!

Special Thanks to Grand Master David J. Praim 

shown in photo below for taking time to meet our students and encourage them.

 

Several members of the group earned trophies for their respective divisions:

James Cowley - Green Belt Division ( 2nd Fighting & 2nd Forms )

Kali Forquer - White Belt Division ( 1st Forms, 2nd Fighting & 2nd Senior Fighting )

Bryce Withey - Junior Novice ( 3rd Place Fighting )

Gary Daily III -  Junior Novice ( 3rd Place Fighting )

VIDEO Clip from the Event: