Karate Championship coming to Newark

The American Black Belt Academy is bringing a major tournament to Newark on February 20 at 10 a.m.

Owner and Chief instructor Tyrone Hill, Sr., is working in conjunction with six other major tournament promoters from the Professional Karate Commission. This karate tournament, sanctioned by the Professional Karate Commission, is coming to Burnham's Canalside at the Quality Inn in Newark.

Pictured are Brad Burnham and Tyrone Hill.

The Professional Karate Commission is the governing body for all American kickboxing and point karate tournaments, and monitors all affiliated schools to maintain the highest level of martial arts instruction. Some of the leading names in the Professional Karate Commission are: Glenn Keeney, President, Founder and 10th degree black belt; Joe Corley, International Coordinator; Bill Wallace; and Joe Lewis, 10th degree black belt.

Hill opened the American Black Belt Academy in 1989, and is a six-time New York State Professional Karate Commission champion and Canadian Grand Champion. He has trained 900 students, ranging in age from 2 to 60, and has produced more than 60 state and national champions, and two grand champions, all from Wayne County. His school is also affiliated with the Professional Karate Commission. Only the best schools compete in tournaments held by the Professional Karate Commission. The American Black Belt Academy will be representing Wayne County. All local schools are encouraged to attend the tournament and compete.

On Friday, February 19, there will be an awards banquet at Burnham's Canalside to recognize the best martial artists in the country. Many of the highest ranking black belts from all over the country will be in attendance to award the competitors. Only the best will be recognized.

On February 20, there will be a 110-division tournament, featuring kata, kumite, self-defense and weapons, along with lots of action and superior competition. The tournament is expected to draw about 300 competitors. There will be media coverage of this event, and spectators are welcome to attend.

Some of the American Black Belt Academy New York State PKC champions to be awarded are:

Jamie Burnham: rated #1 in 6 and under novice kata and self-defense, and 3rd in kumite. Jeffrey Burnham: rated #1 in 7-8 year old intermediate kata, breaking, and 12 and under self-defense, 2nd in weapons, and 3rd in kumite. Tyrone Hill, Jr.: rated #1 in 6 and under novice kumite and weapons, and 2nd in kata. Ponell Lang: rated #1 in 35 and over black belt breaking, and 2nd in kata. Tyrone Hill, Sr.: rated #1 in 18-32 year old black belt kumite, Korean forms, and continuous sparring.

Instructor Hill will also be hosting the 1999 American Open Tournament on November 20 at Burnham's Canalside.

If you would like more information about these events, please stop by the American Black Belt Academy at 515 North Main St. in Newark or call Burnham's Canalside at (315) 331-6255.

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