Tournament news:

On Saturday April 9th, 2005 Young’s Spring Martial Arts Tournament was held in Bellefonte, PA. Master Jerry French placed first in Forms and third in Kumite in the Executive Black Belt Division. Master George Bierman captured a second in Forms and a third in Weapons in the Senior Black Belt Division. Master Ron Wright took a first place in Forms in the Senior Black Belt Division. Master Paula Schall won a first place in Forms in the Women’s Black Belt Division. Gary Stebbins captured two first places in Forms and Kumite and also two Grand Champion places in Forms and Weapons in the Heavyweight Black Belt Division. Donald Justice placed first in Forms and first in Weapons in the Lightweight Black Belt Division. Jr Black Belt Ryan Brague placed third in forms in the Lightweight Black Belt Division.Kyu Rank Winners: in random order were: Joe Brague, Jr. ,Bryant Brown , Cody Miller, Michael Pastore, Paul Pastore, Maurina Fox, Matthew Fox, Josh Vonada, Bryan Patel, Jesse Kreger, Stacy Miller, Erica Ludikowski, Davidson Ludwikowski. . All students were from Grand master Joe Brague’s school in Williamsport, PA. Kyu Ranks from Blacks Dushore Dojo were Danielle Douglas,Brittany Woodruff, Dane Woodruff, Kira McGroarty, Zoraya McKernan, Cathryn Pugh, Monica BLack and Ciera Holland. Other schools participated but at this time have not presented their lists. Goshin won the most supportive school and most point’s awards.

On Saturday April 17th, 2005 Blacks Dojo participated in the Masters Cup in Scranton, Pa. Brittany Woodruff won first in Sparring and Second in Forms in Youths Brown Belt Division. Brother Dane Woodruff captured a second in WEapons in the Youths Brown Belt Division.

On Sunday May 1st the 2005 Dynasty Martial Arts Tournament was held in Leighton, Pa. Rachel Metzger won four first places in Weapons, Forms, Kumite and Self-defense in the Womens Youth Black Belt Divison. Donald Justice captured a first in Forms, Second in Weapons in the Mens Youth Black Belt Division. Cody Miller took first in Forms, Second in Kumite and Fourth in Weapons in Childrens Brown Belt Division. Bryan Patei placed first in Forms and Kumite and a second in Weapons in the Childrens Yellow Belt Division.

On Saturday May 14th The Champion of the Sword Tournament was held in Edinboro, Pa. Bryant Brown took first place in Olympic Kumite in Men's Brown Belt Division. Cody Miller captured first in both Forms and Kumite and a third in Weapons in Childrens Brown Belt Division.

Master George Bierman honored

Master George Bierman had this to say:

First, I would to thank all of Goshin and master Brague for all of your support. Russia was another fantastic experience this year. I was welcomed with open arms by the Presidents of each of the karate Federations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Latvia, Russia and 18 other countries. This year I met with the Chairman of the Executative Committee of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Mr. Vladimir Rushailo and also the Vice-Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, Mr. Yri Avdeev.

This years specatutors were around 9,000 and competitors close to 1,000. I participated in the opening ceremonies as an ambassador to the United States and also performed a musical kata in a TV special on national TV.

When I came home I was delighted to discover that I was chosen as the Kelly Cup Award winner for 2005.

The Kelly Cup Award is the highest award presented by the Commonwealth to an amateur athlete for participation in the keystone State Summer Games. The Kelly Cup is named for the late Jack Kelly of Philadelphia who was an Olympic rower and leader in amateur sports in the State of Pennsylvania, the United States and Internationally. This award is given to an athlete who excels in their sport in the Keystone State Games and is also an active role model in their community, emulating the true principles of amateur athletics and the spirit of the Keystone State games.
I was presented the award from Joann Corte-Grossi, Deputy Secretary for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, State Representative Steven W. Cappelli and Senator Roger A. Madigan represented by Nick Troutman, Legislative Assistant.

I am pictured here with State representative Robert J. Flick.

Congratulations George!

 

Black Belt Justin Shaffer is back in Iraq. Contact Master Michele Brague or Master George Bierman for information.