Local Karate Kids Take Top Honors at World Championship Tournament
Sharkey's Karate Studio students competed at the 51st annual AKA Warrior Cup Martial Arts World Championship at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on January 15-16, 2016.
The AKA Warrior Cup is the longest running open martial arts tournament in the country, attracting competitors from all over the world. Starting with 800 preliminary divisions-winners of their divisions advance to Grand Champion Finals. This stage gives them a chance to end up on the main stage for the Warrior Cup Finals, where they have a chance to walk away with the prestigious Warrior Cup, standing over 5 feet tall. It all comes down to 6 overall winners.
Sharkey's Karate Studio's own Justin Chang (pictured, during prelims Friday night) advanced to win the Adult Forms Warrior Cup at the explosive finals the following evening. Other amazing Black Belts from Sharkey's Karate Studio who placed honorably in the top five include: Mary Amato, Zac Holder, Salef Celiz, Enzo Bilog, and Brian Jansa. Jorge Samayoa, with confidence, dedication, and hard work, won his division in sparring. Samantha Samayoa, determined to achieve her mission, won grand champion in the under black belt finals.
Many other Sharkey's Karate students finished in the top ten in their respective age-groups and belt divisions: Ryan Ciappa, Bridget Jansa, Jimmy Douglas, Michael Ramirez, Ryan Pettey, Jeffrey Rutka, Pierce Kolbe, Jake Byrne, Chintan Parab, Sahil Soni, Arnav Deshpande, John Howell, Christopher Howell, Camden Pullen, Sean Pullen, Nicolas Manee, Gwyn Woods, Dayna Huor, Jacob Wood, and Matas Avizonis.
Sharkey's Karate Studio is the World Headquarters of the American Karate Association and is located in Naperville, on Quincy Ave. (across from Player's Sports). Many of the alumni from Sharkey's Karate Studio over the years have gone on to both acting and stunt work in movies and TV. They include Naperville's own, Mike Chat, who starred in The Power Rangers and Micah Karns who can be seen as stunt double for Donatello in the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.
Contact Sensei John Sharkey, Hunter Lyon, or Justin Chang at 630.369.8055, for more information or to try out a couple of complimentary classes.