Top Notch Karate Competitors

Two residents of El Dorado Springs competed in the 41st Annual Diamond Nationals World Karate Championships NASKA 6A World Tour Event held in Bloomington, MN, Oct. 5-6,. This event brings in thousands of competitors from all over the world. There were competitors competing from Korea to Canada. Both of those from El Dorado Springs that competed were representing Team Heartland.

Taylin Oberly competed in the 10-11 year old girls intermediate division. Like the majority of the rings, there were 10+ competitors to each division. Taylin did an amazing job bringing home 4th place in traditional weapons. Taylin also brought home 4th place in traditional forms as well. Taylin while sparring was injured in her fight. Despite being hurt, she wanted to keep competing, but those in charge of her ring would not allow this. Even with getting injured and wanting to continue, Taylin ended up in 3rd place. Like she always does, Taylin gave everything that she had while competing.

Jordan Runkle competed in the 6-7 year old boys intermediate division. Like with the other rings, there were 10+ competitors in each division. Jordan brought home 3rd place in traditional weapons. Jordan also brought home 3rd place in traditional forms. In the sparring division, Jordan competed and finished in 1st place for sparring. He went on to make sure that he thanked everyone who has helped him in the past few months with his sparring to get him to this point where he won.

Both of these competitors make their parents, family, friends, and teammates very proud of them. Their continued efforts to strive to do the best they can, has really shown. Both have been on a good roll in the tournaments that they have competed in, in the last few months. They look to continue to finish the year out strong. The kids would also like to thank those who have supported them and donated to them to make the trip to Minnesota happen. Thank you to all the local businesses and other organizations in El Dorado Springs for your past and future support. The kids would like to also thank their sensei/instructor Richard Osborne Jr. of Next Level Sport Karate. His training, leadership, and values instilled in the kids, has helped them achieve numerous goals this year.

Jordan Runkle and SenSei Richard Osborne Jr.

Tayllin Oberly