Photo Gallery: Eighty-Three Students Compete in Karate Tournament

Eighty-three keen martial artists, some as young as 5 years old, competed in the annual Kempo Karate Tournament, a popular event for students of New Generation Martial Arts.

Students were divided into belt- and age-level divisions, marked on their forms by three judges. Students received trophies according to their overall achievement – some of the younger competitors were smaller than the trophies they won.

Later in the day, students and their families returned for the award banquet. Many students were recognized for improvement in their forms, putting forward best effort and demonstrating a great attitude. Six students received varying degree black belts, presented to them by Shihan Colleen Lemay and her own teacher, Professor Rocky DiRico, a 10th Dan Grandmaster in Martial Arts instruction.

After lunch and award presentations, several students demonstrated forms to the audience.  

New Generation Martial Arts, which opened in 1995, is owned and run by Shihan (Master Teacher) Colleen Lemay, and her staff, many of whom are also students at the school. Lemay is a sixth-degree black belt, who started her training in Judo at the age of 10. Highlights of her continuing career include induction three times into Professor Nick Cerio's International Martial Arts Hall of Fame and being named Female Fighter of the Year.  

More information can be found at www.newgenerationma.com.