The Tribune

THE team of Naashon Hall (4), Sy LaRoda (12), Elverton G Bain (11), Miles Ferguson (7) and Nathaniel Woodside (11) turned in a strong performance at the 46th annual Japan Karate Ryobukai Gaisshuku Seminars and International Tournament in Anaheim, California, earlier this month.

This small team of five Bahamian youths competed and brought home a total of eight medals for kata and kumite within their respective categories.

This was a first time for most of them competing on an international level. The training seminars they attended exposed them to some advanced level training techniques and gave them the opportunity to train in an international setting. Other countries represented included Japan, Brazil, United Kingdom, Australia and Venezuela.

“The children were all very nervous. They have never competed away from home before,” club organisers said. “So this was a learning experience for each of them.”

Naashon Hall, 4, stole the hearts of the audience and the gold medal from his competitors. The New Providence Martial Arts team ensured that their presence was felt at each of the events. With two gold medals, three silver medals and three bronze medals in hand, this team returned home nothing short of young champions.