On Sunday Feb 8, 2004, The North Providence Rhode Island High School was the site for some outstanding Sport Karate Competition.  The 10^th Annual Northeast Martial Arts Challenge sure did start of the year with a bang!  The event Promoter Sensei Stephen Lombardi once again did an amazing job with this well organized fine New England Family Martial Arts Event.  Over 400 competitors from all over New England and Canada were in attendance.  The Northeast Martial Arts Challenge continues to grow each year.  This year the event was rated KRANE “AAAA” and also NASKA “A” Rated.  There were over 170 divisions with traditional and creative split!  I personally enjoyed this event very much.  Sensei Lombardi always makes people feel welcome to his events.

Photographs courtesy Thomas Hopkins Photography

The event started shortly after 9:00 a.m. and was completed by 1:45 p.m.  Special thank you goes out to our wonderful KRANE Coordinators Don Rodrigues and Tony Cogliandro and all the fine officials from the area, that were on hand to make this a really fun day for everyone!

Some of the top junior intermediate and advanced competitors that I saw included but are not limited to Dre Rice,  Ryan Wells,  Mariah Silva,  Francis Saggal, Danielle Leblanc, William Lucky.  I really have to compliment young Brandon Rivera.  This young martial artist has come so far with his skills.  He is in the 10-11 year old Black Belt Division.  I’m sure you all know Robbie Andreozzi from RI.  What a fabulous performance.  True dedication to the martial arts and growing intensity made him shine big time at this event.  Robbie dedicated his grand champion win to his sister Tori Andreozzi who was in attendance.  This young man has done wonders to help support his sister.   Justin Eaton, one of the K.I.C.K. Teams newest members had an amazing day as well.   I really enjoyed watching both his weapons and musical performances at the Northeast Martial Arts Challenge.

Jim Bonner Jr. has become a very strong fighter in the Junior Black Belt Division.

I was very impressed with Team Straight Up at this event.  They really look like they have been training hard.

 
Photographs courtesy Thomas Hopkins Photography

The Adult Black Belt Divisions were intense this year.    Top fighter Jesse Goldberg really was on fire this weekend taking home the Men’s Black Belt Fighting Title.  Once again the performances by Team Straight Ups Joey Greenhalph were fabulous.  He just seems to have more advanced techniques in his forms every time I see his performances.  Anthony Willis, one of the strongest traditional forms competitors in the United States.  His form was extremely intense and it took him all the way to the grands.   

You could also find some of the top sport karate teams at the event! Just to mention a few, Team Straight Up, Team Rodrigues, Mohegan Sun National Karate Team, Team Cerio,  Kevin O'Donnell's team,  Perry's TKD,  Kicks TKD under Dan Pelletier. Team Rodrigues Karate under Don Rodrigues was the most supportive school with over 40 competitors.

Congratulations to promoter Steve Lombardi for all the excellent work he put into this event to make it the huge success for everyone.

Grand Champions

Mens BB fighting:  Jesse Goldberg

Women's BB Fighting: Joyce Houle

BB Adult Weapons: Joe Greenhalgh

BB Adult Forms: Anthony Willis

Jr BB Weapons:  Justin Eaton

Jr BB Forms:  Robbie Andreozzi

Photographs courtesy Thomas Hopkins Photography