Martial arts squad wins 19 trophies

The Bermuda Taekwondo Association competed in the 24th annual HMA U.S. Open Tae Kwon Do Championship.

The event, in Louisville, Kentucky, featured 16 competitors from the island — the largest group to attend since first being invited eight years ago.

The event, on October 16, attracted about 800 entrants, with as many spectators.

The competition events included board breaking, forms, sparring and weapons (black belt only).

All of the Bermuda competitors did extremely well and brought home 19 trophies, including three Grand Champion trophies and 35 first, second and third place medals.

The youngest competitor, five-year-old Cairo Simmons, came first in all of his events, while junior black belt Marshall Lister narrowly beat fellow junior black belt Philip ‘P.J.’ Smith to earn the coveted 6ft Grand Champion trophy.

Black belt instructor Richard Jones Sr., who is hearing impaired, and senior black belt instructor Laurie Zuill earned the other two Grand Champion trophies.

The rest of the team comprised of Master Richard Smith, black belt instructor Iejah Caines, Reese Jones, Noah Brady-Soares, Genesis Sampson, Shakai Hall, Nasayde Guerrero, Syriah Lottimore, Sahzay Ascento, Kofi Dill, Sanchez Simons and Jahzyah Smith.