Karate club holds toy drive tournament

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Needy children in the Lynchburg-Clay school system will have a better Christmas this year thanks to the fifth annual Toys for Kids Karate Tournament held recently at Lynchburg-Clay Elementary School.

The tournament, hosted by the Cross County Bushido Club of Lynchburg and Kyoshi Rick Ludwick, began five years ago when Ludwick decided he wanted to give local underprivileged children a chance for a happier holiday.

“We just decided it would be something fun to do,” he said.

Ludwick said each competitor brings a toy to the tournament instead of an entrance fee.

According to Ludwick, the tournament also provides a learning opportunity for martial arts students.

“The white belts and green belts do the competing, and we let the higher-rank kids, like the brown belts and the new black belts, do the judging so they learn how to judge,” he said. “It’s a good thing all around.”

Dojos from Highland County, Clinton County and Fayette County competed.

The winners were as follows:

• Carly Bingaman, Brown Belt Weapons Grand Champion

• Maxine Ludwick, first place Green Belt Forms, first place Green Belt Sparring, first place Green Belt Best Kicker Contest

• Dustin Sova Davy, first place Green Belt Forms, first place Green Belt Sparring, first place Green Belt Grappling, second place Green Belt Best Kicker Contest

• Ariel Kibbey, second place White Belt Kata, second place White Belt Sparring

• Katelin Heizer, third place White Belt Kata, third place White Belt Sparring

The Cross County Bushido Club is coached by Kyoshi Rick Ludwick, Master Bob Minton, Sensei Earl Paul, Sr., Sensei Earl Paul, Jr., Sensei Dale Quigley and Sensei Nayomie Ludwick.

For information on classes, call 937-661-5413.

David Wright is the sports editor for the Times-Gazette. He can be reached at 937-402-2570.

From left to right, Highland County competitors Dustin Sova Davy, Maxine Ludwick, Ariel Kibbey, Katlin Heizer and a spectator attended the fifth annual Toys for Kids Karate Tournament.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/11/web1_cropped1116162029b-1-1.jpgFrom left to right, Highland County competitors Dustin Sova Davy, Maxine Ludwick, Ariel Kibbey, Katlin Heizer and a spectator attended the fifth annual Toys for Kids Karate Tournament. Submitted photo

Lynchburg karate students competed in the fifth annual Toys for Kids Karate Tournament. Back row, left to right, Carly Bingammon, Garrett Willey and Zach Fithen. Front row, left to right, Maxine Ludwick, Kendrick Fithen and Connor Willey.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2016/11/web1_croppedIMG_20161115_202033-1.jpgLynchburg karate students competed in the fifth annual Toys for Kids Karate Tournament. Back row, left to right, Carly Bingammon, Garrett Willey and Zach Fithen. Front row, left to right, Maxine Ludwick, Kendrick Fithen and Connor Willey. Submitted photo

By David Wright

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