On February 13, 2021, the Winter Kata Challenge began, and all students 14 and under were encouraged to practice kata daily until Spring 2021. On March 20th, the Kata Challenge Champs emerged!!
FIRST PLACE! CONGRATULATIONS to Lily Heffernan who achieved an incredible 1,111 kata practices during the competition. Notably, Lily also earned her black belt on 3/21/21! Certainly, all that extra kata practice paid off in not only winning 1st place in the Winter Kata Challenge but in her phenomenal testing performance!! Way to go Lily! In addition to the Gold Medal, Lily also wins a heavy-weight uniform with embroidery and patches!
SECOND PLACE! CONGRATULATIONS go to Robin Basile who completed an amazing 683 kata practices!! A standout student who is consistently hardworking and dedicated there is no doubt that Robin is on a quest to be her BEST! In addition to the Silver Medal, Robin also wins bag gloves and a US Budokai sling bag!
THIRD PLACE! CONGRATULATIONS Iris Heffernan who topped 600 kata practices with a total of 601; an outstanding achievement!! A junior blue belt Iris’ shows without a doubt that this is a black belt school where anyone can make a “black belt” achievement regardless of rank!! Along with the Bronze Medal, Iris wins a US Budokai barrel bag and sticker!!
Is it a coincidence that Lily, Robin and Iris all emerged in the Spring with the flowers and the birds?? Certainly something to think about!!
All students who participated received a Stewart’s Sundae Gift Card as a rewarding treat! Setting goals and remaining dedicated is what US Budokai is all about and brown belt students Elijah McCarty and Prishita Shah are no exception with over 400 katas each!! Great effort everyone who participated!! Osu!
ROUNDING OUT THE TOP 11…
______________________No. of Kata
4th Elijah McCarty – Brown Belt 465
5th Prishita Shah – Brown Belt 420
6th Abe Ryan – White Kyu 384
7th Ethan Gardner – Brown Kyu 283
8th Jackson Laviolette – Blue Belt 160
9th Nick Bailey – Black Belt 150
10th Ali Yousofzai – Green Kyu 130
11th Isaac Herman – White Belt 105
Under 100’s
Mikayla Guest, Anthony Conover,
Preston Benjamin, Elizabeth Finkbeiner,
Gianfranco Conover, Noah Hunter, Declan Pendergast,
Mason Boespflug, Marcus Cherry,
Ty Copage
Remember the best prize is PROGRESS!
GREAT JOB ALL!
_______________________________________
Russ Jarem
Hanshi Russ Jarem, 8th degree black belt
Susan Warzek
Kyoshi Susan Warzek, 7th degree black belt
USBKA-CP.com & US BUDOKAI KARATE of Clifton Park have been repeatedly selected as the communities’ #1 Martial Arts School!
Established in 1980 by Master Instructor, Hanshi Russ Jarem an 8th degree Black Belt, US Budokai Karate and for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up are designed to develop the skills needed for a successful in school and later in life.
US Budokai Karate Adult Karate training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay in shape) or learn self-defense in a supportive environment. A place to develop mind, body and spirit.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours or the day, 7 days a week at RenshiSue@usbka-cp.com or call directly at 518-383-0484. You can also visit our website at USBKA-CP.com
The US Budokai Karate is centrally located in the Capital District Area in Saratoga County, New York at 215 Guideboard Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065.