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Feature Story

7^th ANNUAL 
ELM CITY KARATE CHALLENGE
Submitted by Reporter/Photographer  Mark Huard
Written By Reporter  Gelson Miranda 

The 2005 Elm City Karate Challenge took place on November 12 at the beautiful Waterville Maine Alfond Youth Center. Boasting several hundred competitors from all over New England as well as Club Naha’s sister school all the way from New York. It was a great turnout for this last point tournament of the S.M.A.R.T. circuit.

The day started with a slight technical glitch during the National Anthem, however, tournament promoter Craig Sargent quickly asked for volunteers to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. What a spectacular sight to see complete sections of young martial artists from all disciplines dash to his call. Congratulations to all schools for teaching your kids the value of helping those in need!

Next, a dazzling Bo demonstration from Team Straight Up’s Billy Ledger followed by an extreme forms demo by Crystal Retamoza also of Team Straight Up. Kids and adults alike were riveted to this ring. Outstanding performances!

The musical weapons divisions were next touting some unbelievable talent in all age groups. In the 12 and under intermediate division Cassidy Dangler of Club Naha out performed the large division to take home the 1^st place finish with teammates Cullen Dwyer, Travis Phillips, and Benjamin Blaisdell placing 2-4 respectively. The 13-17 y/o division ended with Stephanie Lamenteer and Tommy Lavin tying for 1^st place in an unusual turn of events.

In the Weapons division Cassidy Dangler of Club Naha flashed her prowess once again and took home the first place trophy in the 12 and under intermediate age group with another outstanding performance. In the 13-17 y/o weapons division, Huard’s Sport Karate Team dominated the top three places and when the dust settled Eric Pratt edged out teammates Matt Clark and Stephanie Lamenteer for the win.

The forms and kumite divisions came next with some exciting competition. In the 6 and under forms division Anthony Visconti of Club Naha placed first with an exceptional kata while Spencer Miranda, Sophia Poole and Dylan Gagne place 2-4 respectively. The 7-9 y/o girls beginner division boasted some incredible talent and when all was said and done Zoey Gleason of Alexis Karate climbed her way to the top with the 1^st place win. The 7-9 y/o boys intermediate divisions began with some extremely focused competitors. When the scores were final Logan Miranda of Huard’s Sport Karate finished first with an outstanding form.

Benjamin Blaisdell of Club Naha kicked and punched his way to a tough fought first place finish in the 7-9 y/o boys intermediate kumite division. In the advanced divisions Cassidy Dangler of Club Naha dazzled the judges once again taking home the first place trophy in forms in
the 7-9 y/o girls division. In the 13-15 y/o girls division Jericah Reny placed first and ultimately won the 17 and under forms Grand
Championship.

Forms Grand Championship winners were 17 and under:
Jerica Reny
18 and over:                                           Farruh NuNuzov

Black Belt Weapons                                            Maria Fournier

Men’s Black Belt Forms                                      Antonio Fournier

Woman’s Black Belt Forms                                             Lisa Magiera

Jr. Black Belt (17 and under) Forms                                 Maria Fournier

This was an outstanding tournament to attend and kudos to tournament promoter Craig Sargent for a well-run event.