by Rubert Ward

Earlier in the summer, students from the Mushindo Martial Arts dojo of Cottonport, Louisiana, under the direction of Sensei Rubert Ward, represented Jiteki-Jyuku/Uechi Ryu at two local tournaments: the Annual Mushindo Martial Arts In-House Tournament and the Louisiana Governor’s Games Martial Art Championship.

On Saturday, May 1, 2021, Mushindo Martial Arts held its 3rd Annual Mushindo Martial Arts In-House Tournament, an event exclusively for Uechi Ryu students. A total of 27 students competed in the following divisions: Dragons division (3-6 years), Tigers Division (7-12 years), and Cranes Division (12 – 14 years). Tournament events consisted of Empty hand kata, Sparring, Weapons kata, Chambra, Synchronized forms, Padded sword, and Parent & Student (Empty Hands Kata or Weapons Kata). The students were excited to demonstrate their skills in front of family and friends. The tournament admission fee was 2 cans of food or non-perishable items which were donated to a local food bank.

The Louisiana Governor’s Games Martial Arts Championships was held on Saturday, June 12, 2021, and fifteen students from Mushindo Martial Arts made the trip to Shreveport, Louisiana to participate. Tournament events included: Kata Forms, Weapons Forms, Musical Forms, Synchronized Forms, Sparring, Padded Swords, Grappling, Special Olympics Division, and Senior Division. Age groups ranged from Mighty Mites (5 & under) to Adults, and various styles of martial arts were represented by competitors from Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The students from Mushindo Martial Arts were awarded numerous trophies/awards and were proud to represent their dojo and association at such a prestigious event.