Merrill Karate Club’s owner and co-founder of the Wisconsin Black Belt Association, Jonathon Gartmann, hosted the first ever martial arts tournament in Merrill at Prairie River Middle School on Feb. 16. The Merrill Karate Club was able to bring in over 80 competitors from all over Wisconsin and surrounding states to this event.
“It was a great turnout for our first event and I’m looking forward to making this a twice a year proceeding,” says Gartmann.
Students from the Merrill Karate Club dominated many events taking home over 30 top three placements as well as the overall Team Form Championship won by MKC’s Team Strike Force. Also Under Black Belt Forms Grand Championship was won by Brown Belt Jacob LePage who conquered 15 other 1st place champions to win.
“I am very proud of everyone that came and participated in the event,” Gartmann said. “Everyone showed very good sportsmanship as well as a great competitive spirit.”
This is not the last Martial Arts Tournament the Wisconsin Black Belt Association is planning. The next tournament will be a summer event that is planned to be held outside.
“We plan on having a summer and winter event every year and building our following,” Gartmann says.