Posted: Aug 11, 2010 at 8:37 PM [Aug 11, 2010]
Martial arts students from Ann Arbor Martial Arts (formerly Dexter Martial Arts), seized the opportunity of a lifetime, bringing home an astounding 40 medals from the 8th Triennial World Hap Ki Do Championship Games, which were held in Battle Creek from August 5-8.
Grandmaster Hee Kwan Lee, owner of Battle Creek’s Korean Martial Arts was honored that his bid to host this event was accepted, as this marked the first time in history that these World Games were held outside of South Korea.
Athletes representing over 14 countries and 8 states competed in 9 events over the course of three days. There was at least one athlete from Ann Arbor Martial Arts competing in each event, and every student from the dojang won at least one medal while facing world class competition.
In the 10 year-old and under division, Gavin Wink earned a bronze medal in sparring, James Jordan III captured golds in sparring, forms, and breaking, and Jack Porte won silver in forms.
Among 11-13 year-olds, Mitchell Houghtaling took home a gold medal in sparring, Jenna Jordan won a pair of gold medals in sparring and breaking, as well as a bronze medal in forms. Alex Porte earned a silver medal in forms, and Ian Bejster finished first in sparring, forms, self-defense and precision kicking.
Representing the 14-17 year-old division, Rhyan Guthrie brought home a silver medal in sparring and a gold in self-defense. Alexander Desai won gold in sparring and silver in self-defense. Katie Burrage earned gold in sparring and forms.
In the 18 year-old and older division, Candice Wiesner captured silver medals in self-defense and precision kicking. Also winning silver were Jennifer and Patrick Porte in a competitive self-defense division. Tim Sanders fought hard to capture gold in sparring. Carol Stimpson also secured a gold medal in sparring. Thomas Winebrenner emereged victorious, winning gold in his Black Belt division of weapons form competition.
The Ann Arbor Martial Arts demo team, comprised of 12 students of widely varying ages and belt levels, proudly brought home bronze medals for each athlete as well as a 3rd place cup for the school. The team was led by its captain, David Skaff, and included the following members: Philip Ray, Thomas Winebrenner, Jennifer Porte, Patrick Porte, Alex Porte, Jack Porte, Carol Stimpson, Alexander Desai, Candice Wiesner, Ian Bejster, and Ackra Krishnamra-Krairiksh.
Ann Arbor residents have the opportunity to see the A2 Martial Arts demo team as they will be performing at the Westgate Festival August 28th in the Westgate Shopping Center. www.westgatefestival.com
Ann Arbor Martial Arts is owned by Senior Master Dean L. Wainwright and Master Caron R. Wiesner-Wainwright. Ann Arbor Martial Arts is located at 82 Aprill Drive, Suite C and offers martial arts programs to students ages 3 and older.
For more information contact Caron Wainwright 734-761-5133 and check A2 Martial Arts out on the web at www.A2MartialArts.com.
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