Spivey Karate

The Grand Champions of the Spivey Karate Spring Dragon Fire Tournament are: front row, from left, Ryder Davenport (6-7 year old Karate Kids), Vincent Carlamere (8-12 year old male), X’zavier McClenton (4-5 year old Lil’ Dragons) Alejandro Aguilar (4-5 year old Lil’ Dragons): back row, Alex Myer (Black Belts), Olivia Bermudez (teen/adult), Ashlynn Doyle (8-12 year old female).

Grand Master William Spivey, of Spivey Karate, firmly believes that one of the keys to good mental and physical health is to learn something new. After spending several months of training, he and six of his Black Belt students recently took a test in Kobudo (Okinawan weapons). They were tested by a board consisting of national Kobudo instructor Grand Master James Webster, and Craig and Stephanie McKinnon, who are both three-degree Black Belts in Kobudo.

Passing the tests to first degree Black Belt was Daniel Sammons, Michelle Wagner, Rob Curry, Cherish Fields, Nicholas Gray and Harley Chaney. Grand Master Spivey was promoted to second degree Black Belt.

“It was all about the challenge of rising to the occasion,” Spivey said.

The testing board commented the test was one of the best they ever saw, with all students perfectly prepared, knowing how to work each weapon and answer questions correctly.

Kobudo classes will be held monthly, taught by Webster, at Spivey Karate on the third Saturday of each month. All martial artists, regardless of rank, school or style are welcome. Call (352) 518-9409 for more information.

Pictured, from left, back row: Nicholas Gray, Daniel Sammons, William Spivey, Bob Curry and Cherish Fields; sitting: Craig McKinnon, James Webster and Stephanie McKinnon; front: Harley Chaney and Michelle Wagner. Maintenance, Umpiring Positions Also Available by Keri McAlpine Photos by CSSN League • Continued on Page 2B Pirates head coach Tom McHugh. Photo Provide