On Saturday, May 21, 2022, seven warriors from CMAC arrived in Smyrna at the North Metro Martial Arts to display their mettle and to represent their school; they did both extremely well, being respectful and professional in every way while giving their best.
Although several brought home gold medals for their efforts in sparring and form, it was the way in which each student focused and displayed the hard work that they had put in during class that brought the most CMAC pride; every student at the North Metro tournament was a credit to Taekwondo and its tenets.
Not pictured in the group photo was Julie Sanford; she earned first place medals in both forms and sparring, displaying her intensity and drive. Julia is a force to be reckoned with and her passion and focused paid off on Saturday.
Gideon Castro had his best showing ever at a tournament. With each competition, his confidence has grown and it did not waver nor fail him as he garnered first place in both forms and sparring. He also, as did many others, served as a scorekeeper and timer for the tournament. Giving one’s best effort and serving in an official capacity reveals the level of professionalism that CMAC promotes and builds in students.
Our little warriors encountered challenges as they were involved in breaking ties and competing with others who were bigger and higher in rank. Undaunted by the experience and size of their opponents, CMAC students revealed their strength of character in competition, making their instructors and mentors proud.
Entering the North Metro tournament, after being unable to compete in November, Charlotte Redding emerged with a first-place medal in forms in her division. Kimberly Uriostegui earned a second in forms and a third in sparring; her showing did not reveal that she earned rankings despite having to compete with men because no one in her age/gender signed up to contend.
Not only did Kimberly compete in a challenging group, Amelia Lush also faced contenders above her rank and age. Amelia was a nine-year-old brown belt facing twelve-year-old black belts; nonetheless, she placed third in sparring which is a notable placement given the circumstances.
Five-year-old Eli Castro competed with challengers who were three years older and twice in size yet he fought with the heart of a lion despite being outranked and outsized. Both Amelia and Eli were undaunted in the arena and had great showings, as did Arya Stapp who judged and competed in the tournament even though injury and illness have sidelined her from participating in class recently.
Competition is always about personal growth as well as gaining experience and confidence; CMAC’s contingency at the North Metro Tournament of Champions faced their challenges with tenacity while being respectful and a credit to their school and instructors.