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Zania Louie (second from left) celebrates along with her fellow competitors after winning the kumite round of competition at Sunday's Arizona National Karate Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz. (PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE CASTILLO / March 9, 2013) |
Seven young martial artists representing the Calexico-based Seiden Kai Studio took to the mats at last Sunday’s 2013 Arizona National Karate Tournament and National Qualifier in Phoenix, Ariz. Of those, three proved themselves worthy of going on to compete at the National United States Karate Federation Tournament, which will take place in South Carolina this summer.
At the end of the day, Zania Louie ranked the highest of her teammates, placing first in Kumite—a sparring event which involves grappling—and second in Kata, which involves detailed choreographed patterns and can be carried out either solo or in pairs.
Meanwhile, her older brother, Seth Louie, took third in Kumite. Andrea Luna also finished third, in Kata.
Other participants included Cristian Castillo, Sebastian Castillo, Isabel Garcia, and Ivonne Mata.
Nationals promises to be a prestigious event, and while a precise date or venue have yet to be announced, it will host the very best young practitioners in all martial techniques.
Doubtless, Seiden Kai shihan (coach) Ruben Canedo will be working his young protégés hard in the coming months.
At the end of the day, Zania Louie ranked the highest of her teammates, placing first in Kumite—a sparring event which involves grappling—and second in Kata, which involves detailed choreographed patterns and can be carried out either solo or in pairs.
Meanwhile, her older brother, Seth Louie, took third in Kumite. Andrea Luna also finished third, in Kata.
Other participants included Cristian Castillo, Sebastian Castillo, Isabel Garcia, and Ivonne Mata.
Nationals promises to be a prestigious event, and while a precise date or venue have yet to be announced, it will host the very best young practitioners in all martial techniques.
Doubtless, Seiden Kai shihan (coach) Ruben Canedo will be working his young protégés hard in the coming months.
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