We just got back from the IEMAT(Spokane/Inland Empire Martial Arts Tournament). It was split into two days with Self-Defense and Showmanship on the first night then the 2nd Day was the rest. Well we got there when the event started on the first night, not realizing that we were going to have to wait over 3hrs till the self-defense portion of the event was over for Jordan to perform in the “Musical/Showmanship” event. But once Jordan got the word to get on the floor he was ready.
Kyler was the first to go the 2nd day. He competed in the 7yo Advanced age group. This was his first Forms competition. He did well and got 2nd Place. Great Job Kyler!!!
Jordan competed in the 10yo advanced age group shortly after Kyler. He placed 1st in his age group and got to compete for Grand Champion within his age bracket 8-10. This is is performance at the Grand Championship that night.
Well, we made it back from the Karate Tournament in Spokane, sponsored by Elite Martial Arts. It was their first tournament, but it went pretty well. My only comment would be that it was a long wait to get some of the trophies. The wait was because they didn’t give trophies after each event, they completed all the divisions (kata, weapons and sparring) for each age group and then presented the trophies. Since Jordan didn’t spar, we had to wait. But over-all it probably did speed up the process of the events.
Again, I am proud of Jordan and how well he was able to perform. 1st in Under Black Belt in Musical Forms. 3rd in his Age group 8-9, Advanced. He did tackle a weapons form this time but he did not place. (he was a bit disappointed though) Below are his three forms combined, he really did improve since the Yakima tournament. He has been training very hard.
Dad has been spending lots of time with Jordan, helping him with his forms. It is hard for a “Dad” to act as a “Coach” sometimes without pushing too hard and keeping it fun. It is also at times difficult for a child to try as hard or listen to little critiques from a parent whom they hear similar corrective measures most days for other non-karate related aspects of life.
Jordan is working hard and is getting better with his forms every day. His “karate” chops, kicks and punches are stronger and technically more accurate. With regular karate classes 2 or 3 times a week for an hour, additional pointers from “Sir“, practicing at home 30min - 1hr each night this week before a tournament, practicing Piano and other childhood activities, Jordan is very busy.
Additional help for developing “fun” forms for Jordan was from DVD’s and internet videos from Mike Chat and Roland Osborne. Jordan really, really, really, really, really, wants to be on Mike Chat’s XMA Team Revolution.
Its Jordan’s desire to do well at the tournaments, willingness to practice and his love to “perform” is what makes it really fun for me to assist him in obtaining his goals.
March 10, 2007 we went to Clarkston, WA for the Snake River Classic Tournament. This tournament was sponsored by Martial Arts America. We would like to thank Frank Arnett for the great tournament. I had the great experience of meeting nearly the whole Arnett family. I was really surprised when this grandmother commented on how Jordan reminded her of her son at that age, she then said my son is “Frank Arnett”.
Here are a few pictures of Jordan at the Tournament: Before the age 9-11 advanced Kata
Open Hand Kata - Jordan placed 3rd.
Entertainment Division: Jordan Placed 4th.
While there we visited Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Jan. The Karate Brothers were setting a Black Belt example and helped do some spring yard cleaning with Grandpa and Grandma. We had a great visit, thanks for a place to stay and joining us watching Jordan at the tournament.
