LOCAL
MAKING PLANT CITY PROUD SIX CHRIS WELBON KARATE CLUB STUDENTS
COMPETE IN NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
F
or the past few months, students of all ages at the Chris Welbon Karate Club have been hard at work improving their skills—meeting at least two to three hours a day, three to four days a week. And on June 27-28, this intense commitment to their craft paid off for several students who traveled to Cincinnati, OH to compete in the AAU Karate National Championships. In fact, all six students from the Plant City-based club who competed in nationals medaled in a field of over 1,500 participants.
Article by Amanda Deck
The big winner of the team during the national championships was 17-yearold Nick Gorman, who captured 1st place overall in 17 Heavyweight Kumite. An obvious sparring star, Gorman also gained 2nd in the 16-17 Open Kumite division and 3rd in 16-17 Team Kumite. Jack Ray also scored a gold medal in 14 Heavyweight Kumite and silver in 14 Kata. Unlike kumite, kata competitors are judged on how well they can perform a combination of choreographed techniques.
Chris Welbon celebrates with Jack Gorman who was named national champion in the 17 Heavyweight Kumite division. Photos courtesy of Chris Welbon Karate Club
Ryan Bjelke, Nick Gorman, Jakob Arnold, Chris Welbon, Joey Spitler, Robbie Spitler, and Jack Ray show off their medals at the 2013 AAU Karate National Championships held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photos courtesy of Chris Welbon Karate Club
Speed, power, balance, and attitude are in the top 8 at a regional competition. major factors in a kata participant’s score. Although 24 students from the Chris Welbon Karate Club qualified for the Other medalists from the Chris Welbon national championship, only six were able Karate Club included Joey Spitler, who to attend. Welbon is hoping more of his placed third in 10 Heavyweight Kumite students will be able to travel to Detroit, and Robbie Spitler, who placed second in 8 MI for the AAU Junior Olympic Games Heavyweight Kumite and third in 8 Kata. and experience the same success that was Ryan Bjelke received a bronze medal in 15 found in Cincinnati. Heavyweight Kumite, while Jakob Arnold racked up three bronze medals in 15 Kata, To learn more about the Chris Welbon 15 lightweight Kumite, and 15 Kobodo—a Karate Club, visit www.PlantCityKarate. competition utilizing Japanese weapons com or call 813-752-9800 and request like the bo staff. information on different classes. Also friend them on Facebook at www. In order to qualify for the nationals, Facebook.com/cwkarate. students had to place in the top 16 of their age/experience group at a state meet and
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