Midwestern Open Karate Tournament

by Renshi Riaan Van Dyk

So far the 2018 season has been a very busy one for karate competitions and very productive season so far for members of Team VDK. Jordan and Jenna Runkle, members for Team VDK traveled to Neosho for the opening tournament for the Southwest Association of Tournaments’ season opener. The 28th installment of this annual tournament brought together some of the region’s most talented youth competitors from all over the Four State area.

Jordan competed on the Youth 6-7 Intermediate Division. With two very good performances in the forms divisions Jordan placed 1st in Traditional Weapons and 1st in Open Hand Forms. Fighting in the division final and with a tied score of 4 to 4 at the end of regulation time, Jordan came up just short in a sudden death decision in overtime and came home with a very well deserved 2nd place in Point Sparring.

Jenna competed in the Youth 8-9 Novice Division. Jenna clearly took off this this season where she left off last season by putting in a hard days work and earning herself not just a Triple Crown but also the respect and admiration of her fellow competitors. With her wins in the forms divisions Jenna locked in a spot in the Forms Grand Champ Runoff. Jenna put in a super effort in the runoffs and blew away her competition and in doing so earned herself another Youth 17 & Under Novice Grand-Champion Award.

Pictured: Jenna Runkle, Jordan Runkle and Instructor Riaan Van Dyk.