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Show ?i'sy.T- " " - '' U.S. Air Force Photos by Ralph C. Jensen Karate action Anthony Keller jumps over three people to break a board held by brother Jeff Keller (top photo). Tyson Beesley (top right photo) reports to head judge Tyrone Aranda. Jennie Keller puts a kick on Ben-ni- e Martin in a bout. mini-peewe- e Cu3(aii?0B(aD by SrA. Jay capflg Joersz Ogden ALC Public Affairs Office The martial arts experts came to Hill AFB Saturday as the Youth Activities Center staff sponsored their Second Annual Karate Tournament. Approximately 150 martial artists signed up for the tourney. Although most were from Utah, several contestants came from Arizona, Nevada and Colorado to compete in the event. Close to 350 spectators watched rigorous compe- tition in several categories from beginner belts to black belts ranging in age from 5 to 48. The tournament raised more than $500, which goes into base youth programs. Participants competed in Katas, or forms, weapons, techniques, sparring and specialty divisions. "The tournament went very well there were no injuries and that's what we were hoping for," said Tyrone Aranda, one of the tournament promoters and one of two head officials. "We were a little surpeople showing up. It prised with the was nice to see." force of parents and others ran An the timekeeping and scorekeeping aspect of the set-u- p and take-dow- n of the fa tourney as well as out-of-sta- te all-volunte- er hush eg sOpdqo qd) 2ip?0s cility to ensure a smooth running event. A medical technician from the base hospital was also on hand in case of injuries. Aranda said the tournament had many different karate styles represented. A group from Salt Lake karate. However, the City practices Kempo-styl- e was Kwon Tae Do. main style used "We had a unique group from Colorado show up called the International Tae Kwon Do Federation that had never even seen a tournament before, let alone compete in one," Aranda said. "It was a good experience for them." Aranda said karate tournaments are an excellent way to show the side of karate people don't really get to see. "These tournaments are designed to show the kids that there is more to karate than blood and guts fighting like you see on television," he said. "It shows them the large amount of mental discipline, respect and control it takes to practice true martial arts." He said that some instructors are teaching stu- dents to fight and not the mental aspects of karate. Therefore, a lot of kids are out on the street getting into trouble with what they've learned because they don't have the discipline. "It takes a lot of discipline to have your body and You have to be able to in mind complete harmony. control all your kicks and punches to the point where you can come within an inch of hitting someone, like in a tournament, or how hard you really need to hit someone in It also takes discipline and control to decide if you really need to use it at all. That's true karate." There were only a few instances the day where people thought they were induring a kick boxing match and had to be calmed down. A couple folks were even disqualified for excessive hitting to the face, but overall, Aranda said, everyone was disciplined and respectful to the belts. One interesting event during the higher when was day tournament sparring grand champion, Mike Zezp-qobowed out of the final sparring duel, though he clearly had the upper hand against Mike Stid-haone of his students. He gave Stidham the huge trophy for grand champion. Zezpquo has been the grand champion in the last four Utah karate tourself-defens- e. full-conta- ct u, naments. Plans are already in the making for the third annual tournament. If anyone has any questions or Tae Kwon Do lessons call Linda iV5-tere.Ste- at Ext. 72419. Editor's nott Because there were so many VG USted tHem 21 win-Pag- e in the scoreboard sectioii, |
