Local karate team competes at Kansas City tournament

A martial arts competition team made up of competitors from Spring City Martial Arts of El Dorado Springs and Lotusfire Martial Arts of Nevada, competed in the Grain Valley Open Karate Tournament on Saturday, April 25.

The tournament was hosted by Long's Shotokan of Independence, Mo., and was sanctioned by the WKC and Pro-Am circuit. The Midwest was well-represented at the event and most of the circuit's best talent was present to represent their schools, teams and states.

All competitors had stiff competition and placed as follows: Janel Brown-second in 12-13 novice forms and second in 12-13 novice sparring; Dustin Burlingame-fourth in 10-11 advanced forms; Austin Burlingame-fourth in 10-11 advanced sparring; Jacob Brown-first in 10-11 novice forms and sportsmanship award winner for junior competitors; Riann Van Dyk-first in black belt traditional forms, second in black belt traditional weapons and second in black belt sparring.

Team SCMA coach and manager Bobby Fleener received the Pro-Am Rookie Instructor of the Year award. Even though not everyone came home with an award, everyone had a good time competing and learning new material, while interacting with friends and fellow competitors.