Mady's Karate in Cookstown kicks butt in Chicago
by Ashley Aman

Last weekend 10 students from Mady's Karate School in Cookstown travelled to Chicago, Illinois for the AOKA World Karate Championships. During the two day event participants attended some great seminars, a formal awards banquet and dinner, and demonstrated their skills in Kata and Point Fighting at the Tournament.

This was a very special tournament for two students from Mady's Karate School who were nominated in the top three for the AOKA Most Outstanding Youth Male Award. These two young boys were Brandon Ringhofer of Cookstown and Riley McColl form Thornton, both respected students in Mady's Isshinryu Karate. Brandon Ringhofer won the honourable award Riley McColl was runner-up. The two of them are always cheering on their fellow students and they are always giving it100%, and trying there best, completely deserving the nomination.

Mady's Karate had 17 trophies come back from the tournament, in which everyone placed in there category. Starting with the Kata winners in fourth place, Philip Brown from Egbert, Riley McColl from Thornton, and Samantha Bottrell from Thornton, who put an outstanding effort into their Kata. Third place went to Daniela Ringhofer from Cookstown, who was recovering from some broken ribs from her full contact match in Rochester New York last month. Second place went to three outstanding competitors Shannon Bottrell from Thornton, Kyle Ringhofer and Brandon Ringhofer from Cookstown. The first place trophy went to Ashley Aman from Egbert.

Mady's Karate fighting results were just as successful. Riley McColl placing fourth in his division with great spirit and adrenaline. Chris Brown from Egbert and Daniel Smith from Cookstown worked hard for their third place trophies as well as Shannon Bottrell and Brandon Ringhofer with their second place win.

And the following four students worked very hard for their first place wins; Ashley Aman, Samantha Bottrell, Kyle Ringhofer and Phil Brown.

Sensei Harri from Mady's Karate School said "The AOKA World Championship tournament was a great event and an enjoyable experience for both competitors and supporters alike. Next year's results will sure to be even better!"