In House Tournament and Belt Testing

March 2014 has been a busy month for the students and instructors at New Edge Martial Arts. A few weekends ago, students young and old, new and experienced, joined together to take part in an In-House Tournament that was held at my St. Clair Shores, MI Martial Arts school.

 

 

As you can see, the school was packed to the brim with students and families... some nervous for the competition, some excited to help or cheer, and some still in 'sleep mode,' due to the early morning time of the event.

 

Students had fun participating in both forms and sparring events, with medals for first, second, and third place going to the victors in their respective categories and divisions.

 

New Edge had a great group of assistants for the tournament. I am proud of everyone who helped with score keeping, coaching, warm-ups, time keeping, judging, and referee duties.

 

 

 

I took a brief second to break from my referee duties to pose with Drew and Sara Brown, who helped with the event, as well as Paul, a competitor student of mine.

 

 

Students warmed up with stretches as the instructors delegated tasks for the upcoming tournament.

 

Mr. Ian Dewey enjoyed a morning of helping out as a time and score keeper for the very first time.

 

Several youth students show off their prizes and smiles after their forms competition.

 

What a helpful group! A Black Belt brother and sister prepare to 'corner judge' a sparring match, as Kathy, a mother of one of my long-time students, offers her help by motivating students in each match-up.

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Just this past Friday, students took part in both a youth and adult/black belt exam. Pictured below, many of the advanced as well as adult students pose with both Master Cindie and Master Kevin at the test. It was a big success, and everyone pulled their own weight and fought with their best efforts possible.

 

 

 

Many thanks to the volunteers and black belts that helped make the tournament and tests a success. Above, Miss Kate Freeman eagerly awaits her chance to help grade the Black Belt test scores for her fellow students.

What a way to kick off the beginning part of 2014!! I am very happy with the way the school is headed at the new location. Great students, amazing support, and a nice training hall to top it off. :)