Tiger Martial Arts sent seven athletes to the National Open Martial Arts Tae Kwon Do Championships at the Life University gym on Saturday, March 4. These young athletes did very well, especially since it was the first competitive event for some of them.

Muhammad Ali took first place in forms and sparring, while Jerahmeel Boveland, David Collins, Darren Mitchell and Gabriel Estrella all placed first in sparring. Kourbine Lee placed second in forms and sparring and Randy Gallop placed third in forms and second in sparring. All seven of these boys now have the chance to compete in the National Qualifier in Miami, Fla. on May 27 and 28 and winning there means a spot in the Junior Olympic Championships in Atlanta in July.

The students all enjoy the sparring competition the best and Master Eid Kojak feels that the students see their biggest competition at Tiger Martial Arts as they are often sparring against students from a higher level.

“I am very proud of the students,” said Kojak. “They train very hard and are all good students.”