The Belize Karate Federation (BKF) held its III Annual Youth National Karate Championship on Sunday, April 1, in Benque Viejo, Cayo District. Despite the event clashing with Palm Sunday, a total of 50 youths participated in this all-day, action packed, family fun filled event!

The CSKC defended its National Title by walking away with 23 medals, 6 being gold, while the Martial Arts Academy of Belize City moved up over the CSKC Belmopan for second place with 10 medals, 5 of which are gold. Third place went to the host and sponsor of the Championship, the KSKD Dojo of San Ignacio.

Individual Gold Medal winners were:

Female Novice Kata (5-7 yrs) - Ayana Reyes, KSKD

Male Novice Kata (5-7 yrs) - Jamlech Cassanova, CSKC Bmp

Female Novice Kata (8-10 yrs) - Brianne Guzman, CSKC San Ignacio

Male Novice Kata (8-10 yrs) - Caylon Cyck, CSKC San Ignacio

Male Intermediate Kata (8-10 yrs) - Ruben Harrison, CSKC Bmp

Female Intermediate Kata (11-14 yrs) - Isiene Romero, CSKC San Ignacio

Male Intermediate Kata (11-14 yrs) - Charles Bacab, CSKC San Ignacio

Male Novice Kata (15-20 yrs) - Rafael Quitero, KSKD

Male Advanced Kumite (7-9 yrs) - Sydney Wade, MAAB

Female Novice Kumite (7-9 yrs) - Isiene Romero, CSKC San Ignacio

Male Intermediate Kumite (10-11 yrs) - Jaheed Arnold, MAAB

Male Intermediate Kumite (12-13 yrs) - Denton Jones, MAAB

Male Novice Kumite (12-13 yrs) - Christian Codd, MAAB

The Belize National Karate Team travels to Guatemala City on April 16 in order to participate in the Central American and Caribbean Karate Championships. Families, friends and fans are welcome to travel with the National Team for support. Please contact the Belize Karate Federation at [email protected] or phone 804-2752 for information on the trip.

Amandala