Anna Anderson made Nationals while in Louisiana with Ramtown Karate last week. Photo by Kathy Ernest

DIXON, CA (MPG) - USA Karate is the National Governing body for the sport of karate, recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. Under that authority, they created a Senior Team USA and a Junior Team USA for the sport of karate.

Out of the six regions in the U.S., our region, which is region 1 (California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington,) made more Junior Team Members than any other region. In fact, six of the Junior Team USA members, including Dixon’s own Anna Anderson, will be training together at Ramtown Karate in Dixon at 10 a.m. July 27. Interested folks are encouraged to come out and show these students local support. 

Last week, seven Ramtown Karate students traveled to Lafayette, LA, to compete at the US Karate National Team Trials. Senpai Anna Anderson students at Ramtown competed in kata (forms) and won the bronze medal. She then fought in the USA 16 – 17-year-old Elite Kumite division and earned a silver medal. As a result, she earned a spot on the USA Junior Team and will compete at the Pan American Games hosted in Brazil in late August. 

Angela Vega also won a gold medal in the 14-year-old women's advanced kumite division. Along with three other young ladies, she won a silver medal in the advanced team kumite division. 

Sensei Jim Ernest was selected to coach Northern California during this exciting event. During team kumite, fighters from both sides compete in one-on-one bouts during the 6-minute event. In an effort to throw the other team off balance and score points during the bouts, each team’s fighters will fight all of the members of the opposing team as coaches send in different team members at random intervals.

Additionally, Ronan Vega won gold and Brayden Jasper won bronze in their respective divisions. Although they fought well during their matches, Lazer Ingram, Christopher Vega and Benny Jasper were unable to place, due to the large numbers of competitors in their respective divisions. 

Sensei Jim, Sensei Kathy Ernest and Senpai John Ingram also traveled to Lafayette with the team. Sensei Jim and Sensei Kathy helped coach Ramtown’s competitors while Senpai John helped referee the event, earning a National Referee certification. This enormous event drew thousands of competitors from all over the USA from July 11 to  July 14.  

For more information, contact Ramtown Karate at 707-678-4899 or go to ramtownkarate.com.