Columbia's Athletes Shine at National Championships

The US National Karate Federation hosted the annual National Championships at the Bi-Lo Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina this past July 8-11.

The event featured top national adult and youth karate players competing under World Karate Federation rules and protocols. Competitive divisions included Kata (forms), Weapons, Kumite (sparring), and Team events.

Columbia Karate Academy's athletes were well prepared for the high level of competition. Said coach Nick Reeder, "All of our athletes were returning athletes from last year, so they knew what to expect and were ready to compete. Our novice and intermediate players had great success this year." Those players include: Lauren Gassett, Britney Edwards and Whitney Edwards. Not only did they medal in their individual events, but they took a bronze medal in the team kata (forms) division as well.

In the individual events, Lauren and Britney both showed improved strength and both earned bronze medals in her respective kata (forms) divisions. Whitney was the MVP of the trip. She earned a bronze in kata like her teammates, then pushed it to another level by aggressively taking a silver in her kumite (sparring) division. She was then asked to help fill a spot on the Midwest girls sparring team, where she fought athletes above her skill level and earned another bronze medal.

Promising teen division advanced players included, Courtney Gardell, Cole Gassett (State Champion -- Forms), Ian Ericson, and Alex Bell. Cole, Ian, and Alex all started their forms divisions with impressive victories; however, Cole was the only one to make it to the finals where he earned a silver medal. Courtney (last year's national champion) put her aggressive sparring skills to good use and helped CKA bring home a bronze medal in the female team kumite division.

The highest level of ability is showcased by the adult men and women divisions, where the winners are selected to represent the US at this year's world championships in Serbia. CKA's Jonathan McDaniel (this year's Junior Olympic champion) performed well, but got eliminated by this year's Pan-American champion.

"The athletes did a great job performing at such a high technical level and all demonstrated great sportsmanship", adds Reeder. "We got many compliments from the US team coaches on how good our athletes looked. I couldn't be more proud of them."