Dragonheart Academy Students Win Trophies in First Competition
Students from Dragonheart Academy of Martial Arts of Bolivar under the direction of Tim Locke, Master Dragonheart, attended the Winter Warrior competition last month in Trenton, Tennessee. The competition was hosted by Master Anthony Slayton of Slayton’s School of Martial Arts.
Dragonheart Academy was one of 11 martial arts schools that participated in the competition. Five students that included Sam Clark (“Venom”), Malachi Ellison (“Striking Cobra”), Brian Foster (“Golden Leopard”), Cael Stallings (“Honeybadger”), and J’India Woods (“Tigress”) performed during Kata competition.
“I am very proud of our students. This was their first competition and each one of the five competitors from Dragonheart Academy placed 1st through 3rd place in every event they were registered in,” said Master Dragonheart. “The Winter Warrior was a great event.”
The students competed in front of Black Belt level judges who have years of Martial Arts experience, including Master Dragonheart who was also a judge at the competition. Master Dragonheart has practiced various forms of Martial Arts for over 40 years and has been a certified instructor for more than 30 years.
“It’s the passion, hard work, and drive of the students, that makes class night the best part of my day or night. Our Academy motto is ‘GET Better’. We ‘get better’ by helping each other,” said Master Dragonheart. “They are definitely making me a better instructor.”
Dragonheart Academy students prepared for the competition with training that included attending weekly classes and one-on-one training with an instructor. Master Dragonheart’s students learned a lot from their first competition.
“I learned to do my best, give all I could, and to be proud of all the hard work I invested in myself to get to the tournament. I most appreciate the time, encouragement, and experience of Master Dragonheart as he invests in his students,” said “Honeybadger”. “Without Master Dragonheart’s support and training from the other black belts, I feel I would not be where I am on this journey. I have grown and learned because of Master Dragonheart’s dedication to passing on his knowledge and skills.”
Dragonheart Academy of Martial Arts students brought home the following awards:
Sam Clark (“Venom”): 1st Place – Form, 3rd Place in Sparring, and competed for the Grand Championship
Malachi Ellison (“Striking Cobra”): 3rd Place – Form and 2nd Place Sparring
Brian Foster (“Golden Leopard”): 1st Place – Creative Form and 2nd Place – Form
Cael Stallings (“Honey Badger”): 2nd Place Form and 2nd Place Sparring
J’India Woods (“Tigress”): 3rd Place Form and 1st Place Sparring
Pictures courtesy of Dragonheart Academy of Martial Arts.
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