Byron-Bergen's Collamer-Jones (Gillam Grant) karate team and its affiliate, Fairport Karate, won 50 trophies at the 2005 Isshinryu World Karate Championships held June 24 and 25 in Akron, Ohio. The team was given a special recognition award by Okinawan Grand Master Kichiro Shimabuku and tournament Director, Heidi Gauntner. In addition, Head Instructor Cyndy Jones, a 7th degree black belt, was promoted to Kiyoshi-Go, master instructor. The tournament was attended by more than 575 Isshin Ryu practitioners including many masters from all over the world. The Gillam Grant team members, who ranged in age from six to 50 with experience levels from beginner to 5th Dan, were coached by Shihan Jones and Senseis Rick Hawley, Valerie Kuykendall, Merrie Lou Nagel and Debbie LaMay. In weapons kata, first place trophies were won by Justin Hopkins, Candace Kuykendall and Cynthia Smith. Marty Allocco, Irene Balla, Rob Jacob, Brian Jesse, Andrew Prister and Son Le won second place trophies. Third place went to Dylan Bates, Amber McGrath, Dave Nagel, Aaron Neu, Juan Rodriguez and Scott White. In empty hand kata, Samantha Platek and Candace Kuykendall took first place. Second place winners were Dan Beszczynski, Mike Hanley, Brian Jesse, Son Le, Kyle Macy, Amber McGrath, Kurt Prister, Cynthia Smith, Alyssa Smudzin, Cassie Smudzin and Justin Hopkins. Third place trophies went to Rob Jacob, David Nagel, Juan Rodriguez, Scott White and Andrew Prister. Vince Lanzalaco and Mike Le took third place in the Bo-Bo Kumite team kata competition. In fighting, Brian Jesse, Kyle Macy, Amber McGrath, Juan Rodriguez, Cynthia Smith, Alyssa Smudzin and Jamie White took first place trophies. Irene Balla, Frederick Farnum, Mike Hanley, Toby Mahan, Cassie Smudzin, Scott White and Justin Hopkins earned second place. Third place went to Jonah Farnum and Jordan White. For information on summer karate programs call 548-2801. |
