Be sure to check out the Grass Valley Kenpo Family Karate Martial Arts Tournament this Saturday at Nevada Union High School at 10 a.m. David Garcia and Jackie Garcia, owners and operators of Grass Valley Kenpo Family Karate since 2010, are hosting the event.
“Our tournament is called the 'Gold Mountain Invitational Youth Karate Tournament,' and it pays tribute to the beautiful area and rich history we live in,” Garcia said.
There was a lack of tournaments in our area, so the Garcias organized a local tournament where their kids could compete.
“We noticed a lack of local public tournaments for our students to participate in,” Garcia said. “In 2016, we held our first invitational youth karate tournament. We had to cancel the tournament in 2020 due to COVID-19 measures, but the year before, we had a baby girl in our family. We're finally back on track and looking forward to seeing many of our athletes participate this year.”
Previously, competitors had to attend tournaments held statewide from Southern California to Oregon.
“We're excited to give kids the opportunity to show off their skills in a safe and welcoming environment,” Garcia said. “Essentially, the goal is to bring different martial arts together for healthy competition.”
The tournament was a charity event that raised $10,000 for Child Advocates of Nevada County, which provides emotional and practical support to children to help them overcome the trauma and isolation caused by abuse and neglect.
“They model healthy relationships, provide respectful and compassionate mentorship and improve lives by helping others recognize and use their strengths,” Garcia said.
Karatekas and local businesses raised more than $2,000 to cover all the costs of running the tournament.
“We couldn't have held this tournament without the support of our amazing karate family,” Garcia said.
Children 16 and under compete for prizes in traditional kata, weapons kata and point sparring. First, second and third place winners will receive special medals depicting a mountain range and a crossed pickaxe.
“We're really looking forward to a successful tournament,” Garcia said.
