The Florida Karate Academy of Vero Beach, Florida traveled with 27 athletes to Ft. Pierce, Florida to compete in the 2009 AAU Legends Karate Tournament that was held September 26 th at the Fenn Center. The tournament drew over 200 athletes from 35 karate schools from all over Florida to compete Saturday afternoon. The "Legends" tournament is held each year to honor an extraordinary individual that has contributed their time and talent to promoting the sport of karate and the spirit of Karate-do. This year Mr. Jo Mirza, AAU Karate Chairman was the honoree and joined everyone at the tournament from his home in Chicago, Illinois.

The tournament started with a presentation of a beautiful crystal vase to the honoree, Mr. Jo Mirza. Mr. Mirza has practiced Shotokan karate since 1967 and was honored with Black Belt's Man of the Year in 1991. Mr. Mirza is now serving as the Chairman of AAU Karate. Each medal presented at the tournament had a bust of Mr. Mirza on it, commemorating the event.

Florida Karate Academy had a very successful day at the tournament bringing home a total of 31 medals, 10 gold medals, 11 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals. Dylan Flinchum, 16 led the way with 2 gold medals in fighting, and 2 silver medals also in fighting. Dylan competed in his age division plus the adult age division in fighting. Dylan's brother, Gunnar Flinchum 14, also won gold in fighting along with many of our other young athletes. Stephen Queen 15, won a silver medal in weapons, and a bronze medal in fighting, Jake Koontz 13, won 3 rd place in fighting, Matt Fraley 18, won 2 silver medals in forms and fighting, and Kati Reams 15, won a bronze medal in fighting.

The younger athletes also showed their skill winning many awards. Desmond Haigler 11, won 3 rd in weapons, Randy Queen 10, won a gold medal in fighting and a silver medal in weapons, Eddie Jacobs 7, won 3 rd place in forms, Dylan Graham 7, won a gold medal in forms and a silver medal in fighting, Alvin Barriner 8, won a gold medal in fighting and a silver medal in forms, K.J. Anderson 11, won 2 nd place in weapons and 3 rd place in forms, and Marcello Duong 11, won a gold medal in fighting and a silver medal in forms. Some young competitors were at their first tournament and had a very successful day. Misael Gallegos 11, won a silver medal in forms and a bronze medal in fighting, Derick Deleon 8, won a bronze medal in weapons, and Elise Mallon 7, won 2 bronze medals in forms and weapons.

The adult athletes also showed their competitive spirit Saturday. Angela Burns 45, won a gold medal in forms, and Janet Fraley 49, won 2 gold medals in forms and Weapons. Other athletes that also participated in the tournament were Adam Ogonoski 10, Cole Pinner 12, and Griffin Koontz, 8. For more information on this article, please call 772-563-9333 or go to www.floridakarateacademy.com.