Morning Star hosts 'Dojo Challenge'

The team from Morning Star Karate of Wickenburg, which recently hosted its second annual "Dojo Challenge" Karate Tournament.

Special to The Sun

Morning Star Karate of Wickenburg recently hosted its second annual "Dojo Challenge" Karate Tournament, on Saturday, April 30.

One hundred sixty competitors from across the country and state showed up for the local tournament. It was Sensei Drake Sass's sixth tournament during his 10-year stretch as a local karate instructor.

This is a one-of-a-kind tournament, as all trophies were hand made by Sensei Drake. The trophies were in the shape of Japanese Shinto gates or "torri," as they are called in Japan. The gates were designed as unique one-of-a-kind for the competitor. At last year's tournament, they were in the shape of bonsai trees. All products for the trophies came from Johnson Lumber and Ace Hardware, of Wickenburg.

The tournament is also one of only a few where the schools compete for a high-point trophy. This year the award went to Jim Hawkes' Karate Academy of Albuquerque, N.M. As a hosting school, Morning Star Karate does not participate as a complete Dojo (school).

Competitors came in from Flagstaff, Palm Springs, Calif., Riverside, Calif., Muncie, Ind., New Orleans, La., and of course Phoenix and the greater valley area.

The tournament was held at the Hassayampa Elementary School gymnasium.

For more information on Morning Star Karate, call (928) 684-2099.

Print this story

Email this story

Click ads for more information