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Karate Kids For Christ Takes A New Turn
Karate Kids for Christ, a ministry of Watkinsville First UMC, has taken a new turn! For the first time ever, our students competed in an 'Interschool Tournament,' and managed to win several awards! The tournament was hosted by Bethlehem UMC in Bethlehem Georgia. They too, host a Karate Kids for Christ ministry, which was started by Watkinsville First. They started their ministry this past September, while ours has been going on for a year and a half.
The students competed in several divisions including "Board Breaking," "Self Defense Demonstrations" "Escape Demonstrations" and "Forms Demonstrations." Students won trophies for first, second or third place; medals for fourth place and ribbons of merrit for participation.
A total of 32 students competed in two age divisions - children, ages 5-8 and juniors ages 9-12. Our instructors were on hand to encourage everyone (dressed in black uniforms) and did a grand job of helping take several students from our school win in their divisions.
Karate Kids for Christ started at Salem UMC in Covington about 7 years ago under the direction of Rev. Randy Kanipe - second degree black belt. From there, he brought the ministry to Watkinsville where we have been hosting classes for almost one year. At the request of our superintendent, Rev. Gary Whetstone, we have expanded the ministry into five other congregations including Salem UMC, Lovejoy UMC, Watkinsville UMC, Bethlehem UMC and Rays Chapel UMC (beginning in January 2012). Volunteer instructors train on our campus Sundays from 3-5 pm. Students meet in classes at various times during the week from Monday through Thursday.
This tournament was the first time we have brought our groups together for a freindly competition. Everyone had a grand time! Lots of smiles, hugs, celebrations!
Thank you so much to Tom Cannon, Sam Cannon, Jordan Doss, Elijah Doss, Lewis Grace, Amy Grace, Ann Hendress, Scott Seaward, Matthew Robinson and Jennifer Scott - our regular instructor teams. Without these volunteers giving their time each and every single week - this ministry could not take place. THEY are responsible for the success of this ministry - and are to be commended for their giving heart, their spirit, their investment in others and sharing their valuable time.
Graduation for both Bethlehem and Watkinsville will take place on November 20th - in each congregation. New classes start in late January 2012. Watch this space for more updates. WAY TO GO KARATE KIDS!
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