2009 All Star Specially Challenged Martial Arts Championships

The first annual ALL-STAR SPECIALLY CHALLENGED MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS were held July 25^th 2009 in Tomball, Texas. This first ever AAU sanctioned Special Needs event was hosted by ALL-STAR MARTIAL ARTS and INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES, both AAU taekwondo clubs. 65 specially challenged martial artists from around the country (TX, CA, WI, AZ, KY, GA) participated in forms, weapons, board breaking and sparring (including wheelchair). This championship was for special martial artists with disabilities including but not limited to: Autism, Down-Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, parapalegic, dwarfism, ect. This was not a tournament that just added a division for special needs; it was designed solely to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals.

While some of the competitors were highly competitive others were excited just receiving a medal and support from the crowd. All competitors, while receiving their medals, were given hugs by the judges and cheers from the spectators. 20 AAU Taekwondo certified officials from Texas judged the competitors while their hearts melted as each competitor performed.

In attendance providing motivation and autographs were Karen Eden (a well known martial arts author) and the First Family of Taekwondo (The Lopez Family- Jean, Steven & Mark) of Sugarland , Texas. Also volunteering at the event were AAU National TKD team member, Andrea Kovacs, and Region 9 director Mark Giambi’s competition team, G-Force.

Mark Giambi said “It was a great event and that has great potential for growth. There is a need for events such as this. Everyone participating, competitors, officials, VIP guests and spectators, had fun and were winners. I can see possibilities of this developing into a National event for the AAU some day.”

The hosts, David & Christy Lieder, deemed the event a huge success and are already planning the 2^nd annual event in the summer of 2010. With the support we have received through the AAU this event is sure to be even bigger and better every year. It is our desire that more martial arts schools open their doors to allow special individuals such as these to experience the many benefits of the martial arts and to be able to demonstrate at events such as this.

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