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Local karate competitors pictured (from left): Travis Hamner (instructor), Christopher Frausto, Brad Bowelle (chief instructor, owner), Ella Greene, Owen Mondell, Aiden Marshall, Austin Marshall, Lindsey Greene, Alexis Weir, Wayne Marshall (instructor) and Josiah Payne. Not pictured: Jameson Ballard, Nathan Voci, Tyler Voci and Luke Scheinoha.
Competitors from United Karate in Dahlonega had an impressive showing at the recent event held in Columbus.
A total of 12 local youth competitors earned 27 trophies.
Each competitor earned at least one top-4 placing trophy and several topped their divisions.
Local competitors earned 10 First place awards.
“It’s been a great year for our studio where we are seeing more students attending events than in past years,” said owner Brad Bowelle. “It’s encouraging to see the competitive spirit growing in our youngest of ranks as well as continuing to be a passion for our most senior of black belt ranks.”
Two black belt youth competitors earned Grand Champion awards.
Grand Championships are a separate competition among all of the First place black belt competitors to determine the absolute First place finisher among all in each of the categories: Weapons, Empty-Handed Forms, Fighting.
Furthermore, the Grand Champion award comes with a cash prize to the winning competitor.
Bowelle said they have had a strong drive towards the end of our tournament season this year. We have only one major event ahead of us in November.