Blog

I first want to apologize for the lack of information over the past few months, but things have been hectic both in an out of the martial arts forum.

 Team Kirage had a great inaugural season. Here are some of the highlights:

Pat Underwood made his debut in the Soft Style Forms division clinching a world title for 2008, was featured on ESPN 2 competing in the Tricks Battle on stage at US Open, and made his first night-time finals show at Battle of Atlanta. Pat also finished 4th in Men’s Extreme Weapons and 5th in Men’s Extreme Forms.

Dottie White continued to dominate with her 12th & 13th world titles in Women’s Fighting and Weapons and 2nd place in Women’s Forms. Dottie has been a great addition to the team not only as a member but also as a coach and friend.

Connor Griffith joined Pat Underwood on stage at Battle of Atlanta for Underbelt Grand Champion. He ended the year on top, winning national champion titles in three divisions, 13 & Under Musical Weapons, 12 & 13 Advanced Forms, and 12 & 13 Advanced Weapons. Connor also spent some time working with Team AKA attending the summer boot camp and making lots of new friends on the circuit.

Rita Lappert had a strong year by earning national champion titles in 14 & 15 Advanced Forms, 17 & Under Advanced Musical Weapons, 14 & 15 Advanced Weapons, and 14-17 Musical Weapons (all ranks). Rita finished the season by moving up to the 14 & 15 Girls Black Belt division and brought home two 1st place finishes in Extreme Weapons and Extreme Forms at Diamond Nationals.

Team Kirage has added a new team member for 2009, Terri Jacoby. For the 2008 season, Terri competed in the Women’s 18-29 division and placed 1st in Fighting and 2nd in Hard Style Traditional Weapons, Hard Style Creative Weapons, Soft Style Weapons, and Musical Weapons. Welcome to Team Kirage, Terri.

Thank you to all the members of Team Kirage and your efforts during the 2008 season. We hope to continue our success in 2009. I also want to thank all of the parents, friends, and family members who help support us, without you we would not have a team.