Karate Academy hosts Winterfest tournament

VERNON — The Vernon Valley Karate Academy hosted its annual Winterfest Karate Tournament on Jan. 19 at the PAL facility before a large crowd of 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 up, exhibited both competence and great sportsmanship as they put forth their best skills and determination," said sensei Tom Shull, owner and chief instructor of the Vernon Valley Karate Academy. "Competition was tough and these students rose to the occasion displaying both pride and courage."

In the academy’s on-going effort to help the PAL provide for our community’s young people, a Kick-A-Thon was held that raised $1,200 for the police organization.

“Helping others is a value that we must instill in our children and their helping our community through these efforts provides such a lesson," Shull said. “Our academy has been donating to the PAL for the past 19 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.”