By Micah Choquette
Two Sapulpa martial arts schools competed in the Ozark Mountain Nations in Springfield Missouri on Saturday, July 23rd.
The Ozark Mountain Nationals had over 700 competitors representing 25 states. Sapulpa’s two schools in the competition took 12 students total and brought home 10 trophies between the two of them.
Japanese Martial Arts Academy of Sapulpa brought home 7 awards of the 10 competitors that participated. Their winners are:
- Alayna Cooley, 1st in Girls 12-year-old fighting
- Emma Cooley, 3rd in Girls 9-year-old fighting
- Aleeya Tolbert, 2nd in Girls 8-year-old fighting
- AJ Runnels, 3rd in Boys 8-year-old fighting
- Abbey Avalos, 5th in Girls 11-year-old fighting
- Mason Pratt, 2nd in Teens Weapons
- Cameron Cichon, 3rd in Men’s 18+ division
- Daniel Gookin, 2nd in Men’s Black belt weapons
Also placing in the top 8 were Rilee Brand Girls 11-year-old ] fighting and Ayden Avalos in Boys 13-year-old fighting, “All the competitors did fantastic in some very tough competition in a tournament with 500+ competitors,” said Jerry Cichon, instructor at the Japanese Martial Arts Academy.
Japanese Martial Arts Academy of Sapulpa is open for all ages in self defence and competition. They are located at 736 N. Brown St. across from the Sapulpa Aquatics Center. Get more information by visiting or calling 918-697-3235.
Champion Martial Arts entered two students, both of whom received awards:
- Grayson Hoehner, 2nd in the first-timers division
- Mia Parker, 2nd in point sparring, 3rd in traditional weapons, 4th in traditional Kata.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my students,” said Champion instructor Mallory Parker. “Their hard work and dedication shined through in their performance.”
Champion Martial Arts is an inclusive and adaptable martial arts school for ages 3+. They focus on discipline, respect, agility and confidence while keeping monthly costs low for parents. They are located at 305 W. Taft Ave. across from Reasor’s.
For more information call or text Mallory at 918-771-8730
