Exciting seido open set for UTech this Saturday
Published:Thursday | June 28, 2018 | 12:00 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica's top martial artists get a last chance to sharpen their skills at this Saturday's Everlast Seido Karate International Tournament ahead of departing the island for the International Sports Karate Association United States Open the following week in Orlando, Florida.
The locals are set to go up against overseas fighters starting 9:30 a.m. at the University of Technology as seido karate celebrates its 42nd year in Jamaica.
Last year's grand champion, Ackeem Lawrence, will be back to defend his crown against his taekwondo and Jamaica combined martial arts teammates, Trevor Webb Jr and Akino Lindsay, as well as mixed martial arts practitioner Alrick Wanliss, Richard Touzalin, Oral Rumble of Seido, and Kevin Brown of Rising Sun Karate.
The female category will have as its star former grand champion Sheckema Cunningham, who won double gold at the 2017 ISKA Amateur Member Association World Champs in Greece.
THRILLING FINISH
Meanwhile, the Jamaica Taekwondo McKay Security High School League is set for a thrilling finish. Defending champions Calabar need a win to share the 2018 title with dark horses St George's, who hold an unbeatable 3-2 lead after scoring a tie-breaking victory over their rivals at last month's Zendo Open.
However, intense rivalry is expected, which could deny Calabar a share of the title as fighters from Kingston College, Jamaica College, Wolmer's Boys' and Cornwall are all looking to make an impression ahead of the United States Open.
As part of its 42nd anniversary celebrations, Seido Jamaica will be handing out more medals than ever, especially in the children's divisions, courtesy of sponsors Everlast and the Sports Development Foundation.