Martial Arts For The Heart

MIDDLE TN ISSHINRYU GAMES

 Pictures of the June 12, 2010 event coming soon 

Did I hear trophies? Students and instructors from the Jeremiah Center Martial Arts traveled to Lebanon Tennessee on June 12, 2010. Twenty-one fierce competitors took home forty hard -earned trophies ! Everyone had a blast cheering each other on and watching the spectacular display of events take place. Determination was definitely a factor that took many of the practitoners to the next level. Dylan Sanders was one of them. Dylan fought in the land of the giants; just like David and Goliath, and came out the victor for the day! Emily Champion locked in her form and finished first in her division also! Megan Ayres kept tough in the combined divison of both boys and girls and took home 1st place in sparring. Mandi White and Seth Hill took heart and perfection to the game. Little Hannah Watters and Harley Michell brought BIG results with two 1st and 2nd places! This was Marlena Madden's first tournament and she took home a 1st place as well. There were several ties in some divisions that went into overtime, as stated -determination never lost heart, especially for Tyler Loudermilk and Brandon Perry. Not enough can be said for every competitor that day. Not one could have given more... Sensei David and Julie Gabbard are honored to have such a driving force of students that help keep Isshinryu strong! Thanks to all the instructors that accompanied this event and parents for their support. Congratulations to Mike Gimm, Emily Champion and Jeremy Smith for their advancement to Brown belt! Congratulations to Jake Maisano, Blake and Mandi White on their advancement to Blue belt! Congratulations to Gloria Gabbard on her accomplishment to the next level of Green belt. Congratulations to Dylan Sanders for advancement to Yellow belt and Hannh Watters to Yellow Leadership. Way to Go Team! What Are You? We know...

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Sensei Julie Gabbard: 1st Kata, 2nd Weapon, 2nd Kumite

Mandi White: 1st Weapon, 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

Blake White: 4th Kata

Lucas White: Great Job!

Judah Gabbard: 1st Kata, 2nd Kumite

Emi Lewis: 3rd Kata, 3rd Kumite

Tyler Loudermilk: 1st Weapons, 3rd Kata, 3rd Kumite

Seth Hill: 3rd Kumite

Marlena Madden: 1st Kumite

Mike Grimm: 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

Harley Mitchell: 1st Kumite, 2nd Kata

Chelsea West: 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

Jake Maisano: 4th Kumite

Brandon Perry: 2nd Kata, 4th Weapons, 4th Kumite

Zack Ayres: 3rd Kata, 3rd Kumite

Megan Ayres: 1st Kumite, 4th Kata

Dylan Sanders: 1st Kumite

Jeremy Smith: 1st Kumite, 2nd Kata

Hannah Watters: 1st Kata, 2nd Kumite

William Watters: 2nd Kata, 2nd Kumite

Emily Champion: 1st Kata, 3rd Kumite

      What a day we had at the 2009 Youth Tournament!                On November 14th, young martial artists traveled to Dayton Tennessee to compete in the I.I.K.A. Youth Karate Games. There was an enormous amout of competitors this year. Everyone did a great job representing their dojo's and Isshinryu! Each competitor was all fired up with their Isshinryu shinning! The day started out with Sensei Tony Williams and Sensei Art Palmer giving an instructional seminar. Next, the morning was kicked off with prayer and presentations. An American Flag that had been flown over the Capitol in Washington, D.C. was presented to Mr. Dave Park along with the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Outstanding Contribution Award. Mr. JC Burris, Mr. Scott Shamblin and Mr. Wayne Wayland made the presentations to Dave. Many were touched to see Mr. Dave Park's receiving these awards. Sensei Kelly Markham, Dave's instructor, was also instrumental in making this a great day for Mr. Park's to remember. Mr. Tony Williams and Mrs. Sandra Strong were awarded with Plaques of Appreciation for all their hard work in making the youth tournaments operate smoothly. Anyone that has worked behind the scenes knows how much WORK is involved in making this possible. They do a great job!

As in every IIKA event the best part is always getting together with old friends and family. It was a special treat for all the young superstars of Isshinryu to get to meet Master Harold Mitchum. We all love and appreciate him and Glenda very much. A big "Thank You" to everyone that helped run the events and took care of all the competitors that day. A note of gratitude and appreciation goes especially to the parents raising these fine youngsters.

The heart that was put forth in the days competition was pretty amazing. Sensei David and Julie Gabbard and all the instructors at the Jeremiah Center Martial Arts were especially proud of their students. Some great wins took place with over 35 trophies awarded within this bunch of "little" warriors. These young practioners worked hard and their efforts paid off. Champions will be CHAMPIONS! The day ended with a very special moment as Judah Gabbard received his  -Black Belt. Congratulations Judah!!

The I.I.K.A. Youth Tournament results for MAFTH:

Josh Allison - 1st place Kumite, 1st place Kata

Megan Ayres - 2nd place Kumite, 4th place Kata, 3rd place Weapon

Zac Ayres - 3rd place Kumite, 3rd place Kata

Brent Boehman - 4th place Kumite

Thomas Colucci - Great Effort!

Justus Chadwick - 3rd place Kumite, 2nd place Kata

Tyler Cupp - 1st place Kumite, 1st place Kata, 2nd place Weapon

Abigail English -

Gloria Gabbard - 1st place Kumite, 3rd place Kata

Judah Gabbard - 2nd place Kumite, 1st place Kata

Amelia Gray - 2nd place Kumite

Seth Hill - 3rd place Kumite, 4th place Kata

Joseph Hughes - 4th place Kumite

Emi Lewis - 1st place Kumite, 4th place Kata

Harley Mitchell - 3rd place Kumite

Maddox Sain - Great Effort!

Christopher Singleton - Great Effort!

Jeremy Smith - 1st place Kumite

William Watters - 2nd place Kumite, 3rd place Kata

Mary Wolfrum - 2nd place Kumite

Blake White - 4th place Kumite, 2nd place Kata

Lucas White - 3rd place Kumite, 3rd place Kata, 4th place Weapon

2009 MIDDLE TENNESSEE ISSHINRYU KARATE GAMES

JUNE 6, 2009 - Lebanon, TN

RESULTS AS FOLLOWS:

JOSH ALLISON: 2ND KATA

MEGAN AYRES: 3RD KUMITE

ZAC AYRES: 3RD KUMITE

EMILY CHAMPION: 2ND KUMITE

TYLER CUPP: 1ST KATA, 2ND WEAPONS

JUDAH GABBARD: 1ST KATA, 1ST KUMITE

JULIE GABBARD: 1ST KATA, 1ST WEAPONS, 1ST KUMITE & GRAND CHAMPION - KATA/WEAPON

MIKE GRIMM: 2ND KUMITE

SETH HILL: 3RD KUMITE, 4TH KATA

EMI LEWIS: 2ND KUMITE, 3RD KATA

TYLER LOUDERMILK: 1ST KATA, 3RD KUMITE, 4TH WEAPONS

ROBERT NEVIN: 4TH KUMITE

BRANDON PERRY: 2ND KUMITE, 3RD KATA

ADAM STINSON: 4TH KUMITE

CHELSEA WEST: 4TH KUMITE

LUCAS WHITE: 2ND KUMITE

MIKE WILLIAMS: 3RD KUMITE, 4TH KATA

GREAT EFFORT:

BRANDON BRADSHAW

JAKE MAISANO

HEATHER SHEFFEY

MIKE WOLFRUM

THE MIDDLE TN ISSHINRYU GAMES 2008

What a great time our students had competing in the Middle TN Isshinryu Games in Lebanon, TN on June 14th, 2008. Walking away with 35 wins and almost a Grand Championship!

Master Tony Williams and Master Sandra Strong made sure everyone felt welcomed and that things ran smoothly organizing, shifting and judging some themselves. Things kicked off to a different beat as we all prayed for Master Dave Parks and his family along with presenting a plaque to Sensei Jessica Hale for all her hard work and dedication to the Isshinryu Way. The Jeremiah Center Martial Arts for the Heart would like to thank our Isshinryu Family (all the judges, host & hostess, time/score keepers, referee's,announcer's,administrator's,arbitrators, anyone & everyone that helped make this tounament an enjoyable experience and memory in the hearts and minds of all the children and adults alike.) Competition either brings out the best or worse in others. Master David Gabbard and I teach our students that character is a reflection of what's on the inside and your integrity is more important then something that will one day fade away. When all is said and done what's most important in all of our lives is the joy of relationship (brother and sister hood we share with each other). Are we making a difference in another person's life, challenging ourselves daily to make the most of our own lives to benefit other's and make those around us stronger. Yes, thinking about Dave Parks and others has made us stop and reflect a moment upon our selves. Let's continue to keep them in our prayer's.

Some of the matches that caught eyes for the day were Tyler Cupp and Marty Robbins . Marty had Tyler down 2-0, then Tyler let loose and came back with some pretty impressive moves that took him to the win. This was Tyler's first time fighting in the Men's division, I'll admit as the mother of this young man my heart was in my throat when I saw he didn't compete in the Jr. division I knew my once (little boy) had took his first step into a becoming a man and I frankly wanted to cry. Watching that 5 year old boy become the young man that he is today is an honor and a testimony to what God and the martial arts can do for our youth. Way to go Tyler, not just for your win but for all your hard work and leadership within this generation today. We love ya, Man!

Judah Gabbard and Hunter did an outstanding job showing us how a real match is to be fought....and won...good job Hunter! Judah focused and ready took first in Kata. Mike Grimm stepped up and finally had to match someone bigger then himself, imagine that? Mike stayed strong and gave his best never giving up...way to go buddy! Tyler Loudermilk fought with all his heart and captured most of ours in the process. Anyone that has seen this young man compete knows what a little firecracker he is! Clay and Cody Bailey tied and tied again in Kata competition; being twins has a lot of great moments but not to fun when only one can win. Your both winner's and a joy to watch perform Clay & Cody! Obadiah Jolley did an outstanding job taking first place in his Kumite division, how much courage that took for a 6 year old. Way to go Obadiah! Caleb Jolley has set his goal for first place in kata and it will happen because he gives everything he's got everytime he runs kata. Lane Grizzard took his first trophy in Kata and was grinning ear to ear. Brandon Perry won first place in kata, perfecting his breathing and technique at just 6 years old...Wow!

Zack Ayres and Josh Allison made their mark for the day with first place's in Kumite and second's in Kata. Ms. Lori did an outstanding job in the women's division with first in Kumite and second in Kata. Jason Skipper won first place in the men's kumite; he and his daughter Kaylee are a tough act to follow always giving their all. C. C. Whaley just keeps getting better and better capturing second in Kumite and would have took first in Kata. We all learned a lot from our matches for the day .....one day at at time ....one class at a time. One less mistake, One more victory but most importantly the day is done. Did we leave a good impression, make a difference in this world or make someone else's day?

Sensei Gabbard  and Ms. Julie have only one thing left to say CHAMPION'S!!!

HALL OF FAME 2008

Congratulations to our 2008 Hall of Fame Competitors!

The Jeremiah Center Martial Art's for the Heart Dojo competed on July 26, 2008 in the prestigious Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Tournament held in Gatlinburg, TN.

In the above photo from left to right, bottom row:                  JUDAH GABBARD - 2nd Weapons, 2nd Kumite, 4th Kata, BRANDON PERRY - 1ST Kata, Medal Kumite, MEGAN AYRES - 1ST Weapons, CODY BAILEY - 3rd Weapons, Medal Kumite & Kata, CLAY BAILEY 3rd Kumite, 4th Weapons, Medal Kata, MS. JULIE - 2nd Kata, 4th Kumite

Back Row: TYLER CUPP - 1ST Kata, 1ST Kumite, LORI AYRES - 3rd Kumite, JOHN AYRES (Team Support & Helped Judge), ZACK AYRES - 1ST Kata, 1ST Kumite, TOMMY PENNY (Team Support) & SENSEI DAVID GABBARD. Not Pictured ADRIANA LOWRY - 1ST Weapons, 3rd Kumite, AISLINN LOWRY 4th Kumite, Medal Kata, JOEL LOWRY - SUPER EFFORT! JOSH ALLISON - 3rd Kumite, JEREMY SMITH - 3rd Kumite, CHELSEA WEST - SUPER EFFORT!

At the awards banquet Friday July 25, 2008 JEREMIAH CENTER Martial Arts for the Heart was nominated for                       DOJO OF THE YEAR.

Ms. JULIE GABBARD was named 2008 Isshin-Ryu Hall of Fame Female Competitor of the Year!

Way to go Champion of CHAMPIONS!

Lets do it again next year...

Pic's Coming Soon..

For Listing of all Hall Of Fame Winners go to www.IHOF.US

Athens 2008 Champion Team

WAY TO GO CHAMPIONS!!

                 Hard work, sweat, and prayer paid off for the team at                               Martial Arts for the Heart.

We changed up the pace, added new drills, and pushed each student beyond their limits. The Athens tournament turned out to be a great success for the students and parents! Taking a total of 22 students (to compete) plus many others to help; we walked away with 10 first places, 9 second places, 6 third, and 6 forth place wins.

Wow!! Great Job Team!!

Everyone had a lot of fun and ton’s of team spirit going. Speaking of team spirit the Jolley brothers,

Caleb &Obadiah were smoking with backfist blazes every

match both winning first places. Kaylee Skipper and Jeremy Smith fought till death due us part. Finally after a hard punch to the mouth Kaylee regained her composure and took the match winning second and first in kata. Tyler Cupp fought hard all the way ending with a M.J. Jump/Backfist taking first place in both divisions. Josh Allison sweeps his division taking first and first as well. Our newest little karate-ka, Brandon Perry took on the giants and did  great for his first time out with second in fighting and second in kata. Judah Gabbard held his own for the day taking two second places. The Ayres Family did an awesome job coming away with first in kata -Megan (sister), second in fighting - Zack (brother a.k.a. Zack Attack) and third in kumite -Ms Lori (Mom), Dad (JOHN) is recovering from an injury but says

"I'll be back" so look out Black Belts!

These are just a few that stood out for the day. Sensei and I are so proud of all our students! A special thanks to all the families, parents and staff support too.   We couldn't do it without you all --Thanks!

The champions list for Athens 2008:

Josh Allison  1^st place Kata, 1^st place Kumite

Savannah Anderson  3^rd place Kata, 3^rd place Kumite

Lori Ayres  3^rd place Kumite

Megan Ayres  1^st place Kata, 4^th place Kumite

Zack Ayres   2^nd place Kumite

Tyler Cupp   1^st place Kata, 1^st place Kumite & 4^th place Weapon

Hannah Dempsey   4^th place Kumite

Judah Gabbard   2^nd place Kata, 2^nd place Kumite

Mike Grimm   2^nd place Kumite

Caleb Jolley   3^rd place Kata, 1^st place Kumite

Obadiah Jolley   1^st place Kumite

Tyler Loudermilk   1^st place Kata

Adriana Lowry    4^th place Kata, 4^th place Kumite

Joel Lowry   Great Effort

Brandon Perry   2^nd Place Kata, 2^nd place Kumite

Sara Perry   Great Effort

Kaylee Skipper   1^st place Kata, 2^nd place Kumite

Jason Skipper   Great Effort

Jeremy Smith   4^th place Kumite

Chelsea West   3^rd place Kata, 4^th place Kumite

Mike Williams   3^rd place Kumite

Ms. Julie   2^nd place Kata, 2^nd place Weapon

Congratulations to Woody (Master  Denny Shaffers�Estudent) Uriah Wood for winning the Men's GrandChampion in Kumite! Great job in Kata as well. Way to go Marty (Crossville) for taking the Kata Grand (Empty Hand/Weapons)! We laughed because Marty and I actually tied in weapons, I prevailed  then he ended up winning the Grand! YeHaw!! Way to go Buddy!

 Last but not least, Yeahh Lacy (Master Tony Williams�Estudent) for winning the Ladies Grand. Look's like the short(er) people were the Grand Champions for the day (too bad I missed my division HA ha) ! So proud of you Lace!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Burris Family during their time of need. A lot of dedication, planning and hard work goes into these tournaments. This was the 36^th annual Athen's Karate Games. Masters�EJ.C. & Carol put their best foot forward as always. How much can be learned from loyalty - thanks for holding the torch.

May God's Spirit Direct Us All!

Dojo News 2006

Dojo News 2007