The competitors each qualified for Nationals by excelling in qualifying tournaments here in the Midwest, and have been training for nationals for months. They competed in Kumite (sparring), Kata (forms), and Kobudo (short and long weapons). Over 1,600 athletes competed in over 5,000 matches at the National Championship, held July 8-11, according to a news release.
The 20 White Tigers who earned a total of 40 medals include: Katie Holthaus - Gold/Kumite, Bronze/Team Kata; Alana Winston Silver/Kobudo, Gold/Team Kata; Kyle Romard Bronze/Kumite; Kathy Romard Gold/Kumite, Silver/Kata; Emily Bergquist Bronze/Kata, Gold/Kobudo; Ashley Brohas-Gulacsy - Bronze/Kata, Bronze/Kubudo-Bo, Gold/Kobudo-Sai, Silver/Kumite, Gold/Team Kata; Amanda Joiner Silver/Kata, Bronze/Team Kata; Nina Brillhart Silver/Kumite, Bronze/Team Kata; David McKinney Gold/Kata, Gold/Co-ed Team Kata, Gold/Kobuto, Bronze/Team Kata; Ryan Yates Sliver/Kata, Bronze/Kumite, Gold/Team Kata; Bryce Combs Gold/Kobudo, Gold/Co-ed Team Kata; Drew Combs Bronze/Kumite; Hunter Wallace Bronze/Team Kata; Olivia Mayleben Bronze/Kata; Olivia King Silver/Kumite, Gold/Co-ed Team Kata, Silver/Team Kata; Avery Webber Silver/Kata; Allison Romito Silver/Kumite, Silver/Team Kata; Colin Hill Bronze/Kumite; Lauren Drummond Bronze Kumite; Kiersten Muse Silver/Team Kata.
Buckner Martial Arts, based in West Chester Twp., has been giving quality karate instruction since 1972, and was inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 1990. They offer a wide variety of classes for students of all ages. To find out more, call (513) 779-2413 or visit bucknermartialarts.com.