by Renshi Riaan Van Dyk

This past weekend members of Team Van Dyk Karate traveled to Springfield to compete in the 2nd Annual Heartland Junior Karate Tournament. As always Mr. Richard Osborn Jr. hosted a great tournament.

We are very proud of our competitors and they had a great showing at the event and came home with several medals and two Forms Grand Champion trophies.

Jordan Runkle competed in the 7-8 Youth Intermediate Division and placed 1st in Traditional Weapons, 2nd in Open Hand Forms and 2nd in Point Sparring, Jordan was a finalist in Flag Sparring.

Jenna Runkle competed in the 9-10 Youth Novice Division and placed 2nd in Traditional Weapons, 3rd in Open Hand Forms and 3rd in Point Sparring, Jenna was also a finalist in Flag Sparring.

Addison Taylor competed in the 9-10 Youth Novice Division and placed 2nd in Open Hand Forms, 2nd in Point Sparring and was a finalist in Flag Sparring.

Jacey Swopes competed in the 9-10 Youth Novice Division and placed 1st in Traditional Weapons, 1st in Open Hand Forms and placed 3rd in Point Sparring. Jacey went on to compete in the 17 & Under Novice Forms Grand Championship and won her first Grands Throphy.

Tayling Oberly competed in the 11-12 Girls Intermediate Division and placed 1st in Traditional Weapons, 1st in Open Hand Forms and 1st in Point Sparring. Taylin also competed in the 17 & Under Intermediate Forms Grand Championship and place second behind fellow team member Mason Fast.

Mason Fast competed in the 11-12 Boys Intermediate Division and placed 2nd in Traditional Weapons, 1st in Open Hand Forms and Mason competed in the 17 & Under Intermediate Forms Grand Championship and also won his first Grand Champion Trophy beating out several other talented youths.

KARATE COMPETITORS – Pictured are: Front left to right – Jenna Runkle, Jacey Swopes, Mason Fast and Jordan Runkle. Back left to right – Addison Taylor, Instructor Riaan Van Dyk and Taylin Oberly