2009 Alliance Grand Nationals
Sponsors: E.T. Simonds, Panchamukhi Family, Martin Family, Russell Black, John & Cay Grenfell, Tim & Stacey McBride, TailWind Farm, James & Lynn Chew, Gary & Cindy McBride, Mississippi Flyway, McDonald’s, Old National Bank, Sonic, Fazoli’s, Lowe’s, DiMaggio’s, Panera, Kroger, Simple Spinal Health and Medical Center,
June Hickey. Thank you for your support!
We would like to thank these people for their help and support that made the 2009 Alliance Grand Nationals in Carbondale possible: Senator Dan Rutherford, Dr. Jim Thomas, Ms. Vera Harrison, Master Steve Aldus, Master Kim Aldus, Master Roby Irby, Ms. Mary Brunner, Ms. Leslie Kibler, Heather and Jim Minckler, Heather and Andy Greer, Mike Hopkins, Mr. Trevan Kirby, Anthony Kirby, Bill and Debbie Bruns, Elana Floyd-Kennett, Master Jim Hemphill, Master Erin and Kyle Lehman, Mr. and Mrs. Stearns Youth Group, and Nathan Cherry.
We would also like to thank all those who helped in the operation of the tournament Saturday and Sunday. Without the help of all of these people, our tournament would not have been possible. “Thank You! You made it all happen.” Dr. Thomas and Carole Black
Our tournament was dedicated to the man who saved martial arts in the state of Illinois in 2009 – Senator Dan Rutherford. He cares about the people in the whole state of Illinois, not just those in his district. Thank you, Senator Rutherford, for all that you did.
We would also like to thank Dr. Jim Thomas for being at our tournament and for bringing our special guest, Grand Master Frank Dux. We were honored that both men could take time from busy schedules to be with us the week-end of the tournament.
Awards at our tournament:
Appointed to Team Illinois/Alliance: Mr. Trevan Kirby, Mr. Roger Cowger, and Elizabeth Ogden. Team Illinois/Alliance is a martial arts team sponsored by Black’s Martial Arts Academy. Members are on the team for two years and during that time, their expenses and tournament fees for two tournaments are paid. The three other members of the team are Master Matthew Stephan, Allyson Smith, and Heather Greer who were appointed to the team at the 2008 Alliance Grand Nationals.
Winners of Points Grand Champion Belts (based on the total points they won in the two days of the tournament):
3 – 6 yr group: Briley Lehman, Wartrace Martial Arts, Grantsburg, IL
7 – 9 yr group: Trace Hughes, Wartrace Martial Arts, Grantsburg, IL
10 – 12 yr group: Allyson Smith, Annarino’s, Newark, OH
13 – 15 yr group: Mr. Trevan Kirby, Black’s Martial Arts Academy, Carbondale, IL
16 – 17 yr group: Lakyn Whaley, Arts of the Samurai, Knoxville, TN
18 – 34 yr group: Roger Cowger, Olney, IL
35 – 49 yr group: Elizabeth Ogden, Black’s Martial Arts Academy, Carbondale, IL
50 – 59 yr group: Robin Hemphill, Wartrace Martial Arts, Grantsburg, IL
Masters group: Master Matthew Stephan, Christian School of Self-Defense, Ft. Wayne, IN
Seniors group: Mr. Herbert Mullins, Central Iowa Martial Arts Academy, Des Moines, IA
Senior Masters group: Master James Webster, Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate School, Palm Bay, FL
Congratulations to Master Erin Lehman and Dr. James Hemphill and their Wartrace Martial Arts School. This is the first time in the five-year history of our tournament that there have been three Points Grand Champion Belt winners from the same school.
Special recognition goes to Briley Lehman, the youngest competitor at three years of age, and Mr. Herbert Mullins, the oldest competitor at eighty-three years of age. To the enjoyment of spectators and other competitors, the two had a breaking contest on Sunday. With eighty years spanning the difference between the two, both are an inspiration.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS FROM OUR SCHOOL:
Results of 5th Annual Classic Regional Space Coast Open Martial Arts Tournament, July 31 – August 2, 2009 from our school:
Testing: Dr. Jim Hemphill received his 8th Dan, Master Bruce Booker received his 7th Dan;
Hall of Fame Banquet: Master Black and Master Booker received Alumni awards;
Competition: Master Booker won bronze in forms and gold in sparring; Heather Minckler won silver in forms, gold in weapons, gold in breaking, and the Points Grand Champion Award for her age group.
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!
Results of Douglas Grose Memorial Martial Arts Tournament, Saturday, August 8, 2009 from our school:
Reed Chew won silver in forms and silver in breaking. CONGRATULATIONS, REED; YOU REPRESENTED OUR SCHOOL WELL!