I.M.A. Honbu dojo was represented by 15 athletes at the 2013 USA Karate National Championships and Team Trials in Greenville, South Carolina. Ewan Albright, Alex Quiachon, Kamran & Kelara Madani, Lily Martinelli, Alex Matsumoto, David Muhammad, Kate and Kurt Nakasato, Jake Peters, Brandon and Kyle Sheridan, Zachary Smith Ken Umezono and Keon ZiaShakeri, trained for many extra hours at the dojo to prepare themselves for this intense competition.
Each I.M.A. competition team member had an outstanding performance. Four of our team members placed on the USA Team and will represent United States Karate in the upcoming Junior Pan American Championship in Colombia. Kamran Madani will also represent United States Karate in the upcoming Junior Worlds Championship in Spain.
The results of the four days of competition are as follows:
- Kamran Madani: Gold medal in kumite team trials (representing USA in kumite)
- Kelara Madani: Gold medal in kumite team trials (representing USA in kumite)
- Lily Martinelli: Silver medal in kumite team trials and Bronze medal in kata team trials (representing USA in kumite; reserved member for USA in kata)
- Alex Matsumoto: Silver medal in kumite team trials and Bronze medal in kata team trials (representing USA in kumite; reserved member for USA in kata)
- Keon ZiaShakeri: Bronze medal in kumite team trials (reserved member for USA in kumite)
- Alex Quiachon: Bronze medal in kata
- Kate Nakasato: Bronze medal in kata
- Kurt Nakasato: Gold medal in kumite
- Brandon Sheridan: Bronze medal in kumite and kata
- Alex Matsumoto, Jake Peters, Ken Umezono: Silver medal in team kata
Congratulations go to our coaches Sara Martinelli, Jax Martinelli and Thai Sheridan, and all members of our national team who did a fantastic job!