Vernon Valley Karate hosts Winterfest tourney
VERNON — The Vernon Valley Karate Academy hosted its annual Winterfest Karate Tournament on Jan. 18 at the PAL facility before a large crowd of proud parents and spectators.
Students from the academy performed in a karate competition that included both kata (detailed choreographed patterns of karate techniques) and kumite (sparring against an opponent).
A group of STORM TEAM members (Special Team of Role Models) also delighted the crowd with a demonstration of their self-defense skills.
“These students aged 4 and older, exhibited both competence and great sportsmanship as they put forth their best skills and determination. Competition was tough and these students rose to the occasion displaying both pride and courage”, said Sensei Tom Shull, owner and chief instructor at the Vernon Valley Karate Academy.
This year some of the school’s adult students demonstrated their skills while performing an advanced kata and then putting the techniques to work as three of the largest men attacked Black Belt Monica Rolando, who left no doubt that she could skillfully defend herself.
Sensei Barret Myzak performed a traditional Kubodo (weapons) kata using the Okinawan Kama, a sickle-like tool. Barret is taught Kobudo skills by local resident and eighth-degree Black Belt Chuck Ercolano.
In the academy’s ongoing effort to help the PAL provide for the community’s young people, a Kick-A-Thon was held that raised $1,800 for the police organization.
“Helping others is a value that we must instill in our children and helping our community through these efforts provides such a lesson”, Shull said. “Our academy has been donating to the PAL for the past 20 years. Combining our efforts with those of the police and other community groups has helped to provide our children with a safe and positive environment in which to grow.”
Anyone interested in this program can check them out at www.VernonKarate.com or www.vernonpal.com/pal-program-information/youth-programs/karate/ or phone (973) 764-3104.