SPOKANE, Wash. – Karate.
The ancient martial art lives on through events like these: The USA National Championships are held at The Podium, showcasing the best of the country.
“These kids all train starting January through July to be a national champion this week,” US Karate Olympian and captain Tom Scott said. “So, a lot of these kids are coming from all parts of the country.”
Today’s events featured kata, like a choreographed dance, which displays a mastery of movement, while kumite, mostly taking place tomorrow and Sunday, features hand-to-hand combat with kicks, punches, and throws.
Karate made its only Summer Olympic Games appearance in the 2020 Tokyo Games, and it featured Tom Scott, a three-time Pan Am gold medalist, 16-time national champion, and a 2021 World bronze medalist.
“Everyone was having a great time, no matter what the outcomes were,” Scott said. “It was crazy to be there and represent not just your moment, but all of the champions of the past that never got theirs.”
Scott is one of many who help to inspire the next generation of karatekas looking to master kata and kumite.
“Even though karate is out of the Olympics right now, I know it’s going to be back, because, again, it was impossible at my age,” Scott said. “I tell these guys, you’ve got to be ready because it’s going to be back.”
“It’s like looking up to a big sibling, or something,” Karate competitor Trayden Payne said. “Looking up to a big sibling, or Mom or Dad.”
Trayden and Paxon Payne, just 10 and eight years old respectively, love to compete in their favorite sport.
“It was kind of easy for me,” Trayden said. “Once I first saw it, it was like, boom, I wanted to do it. Sport at first sight.”
“It’s family relations, so that we can have a fun time together,” Paxon said. “But no parents.”
Kids like Trayden and Paxon represent the next step in the coming karate generation, eager to make a lasting impact.
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