The 3rd Youth Peace Cup Tournament
By Shota Iwasaki
The 3rd Youth Peace Cup Tournament, initiated by World Unified Martial Arts Federation, USA, was held Saturday, June 20 at the Flushing Hospital Auditorium in Queens, New York. 60 participants from 7 through 17 years of age from various schools such as the Unified Martial Arts schools of Queens, New Jersey, Upstate New York and Philadelphia, as well as the Seven Star Karate School of Upstate New York and the New Breed Karate Academy in Manhattan joined together to compete under the theme of achieving peace and harmony within our community and nation.
All challangers displayed good sportsmanship and became very close. The parents of competitors were very enthusiastic, with cameras or videos in their hands as they cheered for their young stars. The trophies were handed out by Reverend Grodner and Reverend Hardaway.
Finally, I would like to express heart of appreciation to Reverend Yuji and the Queens Family Church members who fully supported and prepared for this event.
Here is the list of winners by category and age:
| FORM | BREAKING | SPARRING |
7-9 years old 1st Johanna Purganan 10-12 years old 1st Christopher Roman 13-UP 1st Olivia Stewart | 8 years old and under 1st Yosuke Mizuguchi 9-12 years old 1st Yuuki Jo 9-12 years old 1st Yuuki Jo 13-14 years old 1st Alioune Gaye 15- up 1st Altus Szawlowsky TEAM DEMO 1st Hudson Valley | 7-9 years old 1st David Zhai 10-12 years old Boys 1st Noritaka Iwasaki 10-12 years old Girls 1st Soonme Iwasaki 13-14 years old girls and boys 1st Olivia Stewart 15-17 years old boys 1st Altus Szawlowsky |