Kids win big at karate tourney

Intensity filled the Barron Collier gymnasium, June 10, as 150 competitors took part in the K.I.C.K. USA karate tournament. Kids In Competition Karate is an organization that takes kids from all over the world and introduces them to the sport of karate.

The organization's Southwest regional coordinator is Sensei Debbie Hamilton. Over fifteen years of training has earned her a second-degree black belt and her teacher designation.

"It is about motivating kids in martial arts," said Hamilton who also heads up the two locations for the Naples Academy of Martial Arts.

"Today everyone is awarded." All were awarded a medal or a trophy for their efforts that afternoon.

Senior student Natasha Ward added, "Kids love to stand up and show what they know. This is a good time for everyone to come together and show what they have learned." The Academy looks to progress its members from student to teacher.

A.J. Ryder, who has been performing for three years now, splits his time dedicated to karate between taking classes and helping to teach them.

"I always liked karate even before I started it," said Ryder who estimates at least 12 hours per week devoted to the art. "Now I go to Tampa, Orlando, wherever the tournaments are. With the fans watching, I love putting on a show. This is awesome." Ryder is 14 and finished up his last year at East Naples Middle School. He will be attending Lely in the fall.

Eight-year-old Kaitlyn Ziegelmaier performed her kata, or forms, in front of the judges, showing intensity and focus impressive at any age. This is her second year in the program and looks to be followed by many more.

Photo by KEN LANE, Collier Citizen

Performing her Kata or forms portion of the K.I.C.K. USA Tournament competition at Barron Collier HS June 10 was eight-year-old Kaitlyn Ziegelmaier.

"I tried to get her into other things but this is all she wants," said Kaitlyn's mother Jennifer. "It really teaches them in terms of sportsmanship and the spirit of competition. They not only learn how to handle losing, but how to be good winners." When asked about the big emotion from such a small frame the mother said it is all part of the competition.

KICK USA holds competitions every two months with the final one being at Disney World, Oct. 28. Competitors from as far as Puerto Rico and Canada come for the three-day event. All competitions award competitors points based on finish.

The Naples Academy looks forward to the annual event, themselves home to 15 state champions and various triple crown winners. The triple crown is awarded based upon points over categories.

"That is the ultimate goal," Hamilton said. "To become state champion.

Even more important though are the lessons learned in leadership, respect for themselves and others and self confidence." The inherent value of martial arts helps counter the many misconceptions.

"This is not about fighting and beating people up like what many see in the movies," assured Hamilton. "It is actually the opposite. They learn to walk away. In fact, those involved in fights are treated very severely. That behavior is completely unacceptable. It takes a stronger person to walk away from the fight." The tournaments include demonstrations of kobudo (weapons), kata (forms) and sparring. The competitions also include a non-traditional form of martial arts called extreme martial arts where many demonstrations are set to music. The next tournament will be held in August at Gulf View Middle School.