On Saturday July 30, five members from Van Dyk’s Karate traveled to Springfield to compete in the 5th Annual Ozark Mountain Nationals Karate Tournament as part of the Team S.W.A.T. National Competition Team. Competitors from all over the country were there to compete in this tournament that grows and gets better every year.
There was some great talent on display and competition was fierce. Everyone competed hard and did well. Jordan Runkle the youngest team member competing in the 5 & Under Division did very well and was awarded 3rd place in Traditional Weapons, and 2nd in Open Hand Forms and 2nd in Point Sparring. Jacey Swopes competed in the Youth 6-7 Novice division and placed 3rd in Traditional Weapons, 2nd in Open Hand Forms and 2nd in Girls Point Sparring. Mason Gardner competed in the Youth 9-10 Novice division and placed 1st in Traditional Weapons, 1st in Open Hand Forms and 4th in Boys Point Sparring. Taylin Oberly competed in the Youth 9-10 Novice division and placed 3rd in Traditional Weapons, 2nd in Open Hand Forms and 4th in Girls Point Sparring. Hunter Malensek competed in the Youth 11-12 Novice division and placed 1st in Traditional Weapons, 1st in Open Hand and 3rd in Boys Point Sparring.
Team S.W.A.T. had several competitors that won their respective forms divisions and qualified to compete in the very popular OMN Night Time Finals.
Mason Gardner and Hunter Malensek where two of many Team S.W.A.T. members who competed in several youth divisions in the Night Time Finals for Forms Grand Champion.
There were some very strong and talented competition on stage for all of the various age and level divisions but in the 12 and Under Youth Forms Grand Champion Division Team S.W.A.T. stepped up and after the judges placed their scores and scores were added, Hunter Malensek successfully defended his Grand Champion Title with a big win with his teammate Mason following in second place right behind him.
A big Thank You goes out to Richy Osborn Jr. and his wife, Brandy Osborn, for hosting a great tournament.
Pictured (from left) Taylin Oberly, Mason Gardner, Hunter Malensek, Jacey Swopes and Jordan Runkle; (back) Riaan Van Dyk. Article by Kassy Wynes-Van Dyk
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