Putting Their Best Feet Forward ... Porco’s Karate Championship Results

Porco’s Karate Academy is filled with dedicated, hardworking students studying the 3,000-year-old martial art tang soo do. It also has an equally dedicated Demo Team whose hard work and perseverance were rewarded at the Region 9 Championships when their demo won first place in the Creativity competition.

First created five years ago, the team has an open membership, welcoming all ages and all ranks with a variety of talents. Leading the team is a group of captains, black belts, and black belt candidates, who assist with all facets of running a team. This teamwork is especially reflected in the supporting parents and teammates who pull together and help each other with combinations and partner-work.

The team practices for one hour each week. During practice, the team goes over different sections of the demo. Over the summers, the team uses practice time to learn new techniques, acrobatics, and how to use different weapons. Almost every practice ends with laughter and smiles, and each demo reflects this energy and spirit.

Every year, various ideas and themes are discussed, each one rooted in martial arts. This year’s theme was based upon the training of the Shaolin Monks and perseverance. Techniques and combinations are created and adjusted. Costumes, props, and set pieces are prepped.

The last two weeks before competition are important. Practices are added to ensure that timing and quality techniques are the best they can be. Dress rehearsals are conducted to see how techniques are performed when in full costume and with all props.

The Region 9 Championship was held in Oxford High School this spring. All of those who practice tang soo do are invited to compete. Divided into two days, the first day is the Creativity competition. Three Demo Teams competed — one from PKA, one from Haney’s Academy of Karate, and one from T’s Karate. Straws were drawn to determine order, and PKA was the first one up. The judges’ scores are based on creative thinking of theme and quality of techniques as a whole.

Members of the winning Demo Team are: Christopher Perry (3rd degree black belt), Amelia Shwartz (1st degree black belt), Lauren D’Amico (1st degree black belt), Keith Baxter (Cho Dan Bo), Michael Reyen (1st gup), Emily Albrecht (Cho Dan Bo), Darren Kirby (1st gup), Yanni Kousidis (1st gup), Jake Terifay (1st gup), Jacob Baron (2nd gup), Amelia Schill (2nd gup), Mystic Higginson (4th gup), Ayden Kasbarion (4th gup), Angella Kousidis (6th gup), Shilin Ray (6th gup), Cameron Powers (6th gup), and Jacob Lujanac (7th gup).